NHL Free Agency Capsules: Hossa's long deal with Hawks tops busy NHL day

Just when the slowing global economy figured to put a crimp in spending for NHL free agents, Marian Hossa hit the open market again.

And instead of taking a discount on a one-year deal to take a shot at a Stanley Cup title, Hossa cashed in a megadeal with the up-and-coming Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

A few hours after the NHL free-agent season was open for business, the Blackhawks said goodbye to Martin Havlat and set their sights on Hossa. It didn't take long to come to terms on a 12-year, $62.8 million contract.

It was the headline move on the typically busy first day of free-agent shopping.

The New York Rangers landed the second biggest prize of the day, signing high-scoring forward Marian Gaborik away from the Minnesota Wild with a five-year, $37.5 million contract. That deal came together once the Rangers couldn't complete a trade with the Ottawa Senators for disgruntled forward Dany Heatley.

Heatley was still in limbo late Wednesday night, and was due a $4 million bonus payment from whatever team he was a member of at midnight.

The NHL salary cap rose only $100,000 from last season to $56.8 million. With concerns that the financial crisis could strike the league harder this season, and force the 2010-11 cap to drop, the belief was teams would be more cautious about entering into long-term deals.

The Blackhawks didn't seem too concerned, and will absorb a $5.23 million cap hit on Hossa's contract.

"We haven't used the (unrestricted free-agent market) that often because it's when you get the most onerous contracts with the most unfavorable term," San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said. "I've used the term irrational exuberance that takes place at this time of year."

Hossa left the Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh Penguins last summer to join the defending champion Detroit Red Wings - saying he believed that gave him the best chance to win the Stanley Cup. But the Penguins dethroned the Red Wings last month in the rematch, leaving Hossa in second place again.

"Now I don't have to worry about dealing with it year to year. I'm set for 12 years. That will make it easier and I can focus on hockey," Hossa said.

Hossa is joining the Blackhawks, his fourth team since 2008, and their stable of young stars headlined by Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

With Hossa in place in Chicago, Havlat signed a six-year deal with Minnesota late Wednesday to replace Gaborik. The Blackhawks also let go of goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, watching him sign a four-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers.

"We were just unable to get a deal done with Marty," Chicago general manager Dale Tallon said. "It was 11:01 and we decided to go in a different direction. The important thing we're doing is to keep the core together. So this deal was important to get done at this term to help us in the future solidify that core group. ... I wish Marty and Nik all the best. We're turning the page and moving forward."

The action got started even before noon (EDT), when teams were first allowed to negotiate with free agents from other teams.

After marathon negotiations in Sweden, the Vancouver Canucks finally reached matched deals to retain identical twins Henrik and Daniel Sedin - the team's leading scorers last season with 82 points.

Right before the pair reached the open market, they each signed five-year, $30.5 million contracts.

"We really like it in Vancouver and that's where we wanted to stay," Henrik said.

Defenseman Mattias Ohlund couldn't say the same as he left the Canucks after 11 seasons to sign a seven-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The 32-year-old native of Sweden played in 770 NHL games with the Canucks and is the team's career leader in goals by a defenseman with 93. The Sedins are now the longest-tenured players with Vancouver.

The Montreal Canadiens were busy for a second straight day, signing former Calgary Flames forward Mike Cammalleri to a five-year, $30 million deal, and defensemen Jaroslav Spacek and Hal Gill. Spacek left the Buffalo Sabres for a three-year, $11.5 million contract, and Gill was lured away from the Penguins by a two-year contract worth $4.5 million.

They completed their spending binge by nabbing forward Brian Gionta from the New Jersey Devils with a five-year, $25 million contract.

Combined with Tuesday's six-player trade that brought center Scott Gomez to the Canadiens from the New York Rangers, Montreal is on the hook for contracts worth $107.8 million. Gomez, a former teammate of Gionta's in New Jersey, has five years left on his deal with a cap charge of $7.35-million per season.

However, the Canadiens didn't retain defenseman Mike Komisarek, who signed a five-year, $22.5 million deal with the rival Toronto Maple Leafs.

Toronto also added much-needed toughness by agreeing to terms with former Rangers enforcer Colton Orr on a four-year, $4 million deal. New York wasted little time in replacing him with former Washington Capitals forward Donald Brashear, the NHL's most-feared fighter.

In other moves:

-Star defenseman Scott Niedermayer made his return to the Anaheim Ducks official by agreeing to a one-year, $6 million deal plus bonuses.

-The Florida Panthers reached a six-year contract extension with young forward David Booth, who was a restricted free agent, and inked former New Jersey Devils goalie Scott Clemmensen to a three-year deal.

-The New York Islanders pried 39-year-old goalie Dwayne Roloson away from the Edmonton Oilers, giving them an experienced backup who could step into the top spot if Rick DiPietro is still injured. Roloson received a two-year, $5 million contract.

-Steve Begin left Dallas Stars and joined the Boston Bruins.

-Forward Erik Cole re-signed with the Carolina Hurricanes for two years, $5.8 million.

-Defenseman Andy Greene stayed with New Jersey, signing a two-year contract worth $1.475 million. But forward Mike Rupp left the Devils and agreed to a two-year, $1.6 million contract with the Penguins.

-Forward Steve Sullivan re-signed with Nashville for two years, $7.5 million.

The Capitals filled the void created by Viktor Kozlov's departure for Russia, by signing former Philadelphia Flyers forward Mike Knuble to a two-year deal worth $5.6 million. He can take Kozlov's spot on the wing alongside star forward Alex Ovechkin and center Nicklas Backstrom.

"I know what I do well," Knuble said. "I complement players. I've been able to be successful and they've been able to be successful."

Philadelphia moved to replace him by signing rugged forward Ian Laperriere away from the Colorado Avalanche. The Flyers also brought back goalie Brian Boucher, who is expected to back up newly acquired Ray Emery.

Blackhawks pry Hossa from Wings with 12-year deal

CHICAGO - The Chicago Blackhawks dipped deep into the NHL free-agent market by signing star forward Marian Hossa away from the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday with a 12-year, $62.8 million contract.

Hossa, who surprisingly took a one-year deal with the defending champion Red Wings last summer, cashed in this time.

The four-time All-Star and 11-year NHL veteran has played on the Stanley Cup runner-up the last two seasons - while with the Penguins he lost to the Red Wings and this year with Detroit, he fell to Pittsburgh in the rematch.

The young Blackhawks are his fourth team since 2008.

"Now I don't have to worry about dealing with it year-to-year. I'm set for 12 years. That will make it easier and I can focus on hockey," Hossa said.

Chicago also signed center Tomas Kopecky, who, like Hossa, played last season with the Red Wings. He was knocked out of the playoffs after sustained injuries to his face during a fight with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin in the second round.

By adding Hossa, the Blackhawks won't be re-signing Martin Havlat, who led the team in points last season. A free agent, Havlat made $6 million last season at the end of a three-year deal. The Blackhawks also did not re-sign goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, their starter during the playoffs last season, who earned a new deal with the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.

"We were just unable to get a deal done with Marty," general manager Dale Tallon said. "It was 11:01 and we decided to go in a different direction. The important thing we're doing is to keep the core together. So this deal was important to get done at this term to help us in the future solidify that core group. ... I wish Marty and Nik all the best. We're turning the page and moving forward."

The 30-year-old Hossa will also be counted on for some leadership. The Blackhawks, who lost to the Red Wings in the Western Conference finals in May, were the youngest team in the NHL last season.

"Marian has played a lot of games," Tallon said. "The most-important thing for Marian is that he wants to win and he feels we're headed in the right direction and that he can be as a 30-year-old one of our elderly statesmen on our team and help lead this young team."

Hossa has played for Ottawa (1997-2004), Atlanta (2005-08), Pittsburgh (2008) and Detroit (2008-09), recording 719 points - 339 goals and 380 assists - in 775 regular-season games. He has appeared in 98 playoff games with 31 goals and 45 assists.

"I will be one of the oldest guys, which will be strange for me, a little different, but I'm looking forward to playing with a young team," Hossa said during a conference call.

He led the Red Wings with 40 goals last season and was third on the team with 71 points. He had 15 points - six goals and nine assists - in the playoffs where the Red Wings were dethroned in the finals by the Penguins. He had no goals and three assists in the seven games against Pittsburgh.

"I had a great time in Detroit. ... But with today's economy and the salary cap, it's really hard to sign star players," Hossa said.

"Somebody just couldn't be able to sign and I guess that was me," he added. "That was basically a great year. It didn't finish how I would like. Now it is time to move on. I was hoping to sign a long-term deal and Chicago made a great offer."

Hossa was chosen by Ottawa in the first round of the 1997 draft.

Kopecky had 109 hits, six goals and 13 assists in 79 games for the Red Wings last season, his fourth with Detroit.

The Blackhawks believe Hossa is the difference maker that get them to the finals and bring a Stanley Cup back to Chicago for the first time since 1961.

"He's a horse out there. He can play defense and offense and score 40 goals. He's a hard guy to slow down and to stop. He's durable," Tallon said.

"He's a game-breaker."

-- Rick Gano

Gaborik signs with Rangers, leaving Wild

NEW YORK - Once the New York Rangers got out from under Scott Gomez's expensive contract, they turned to Marian Gaborik and gave him the money they suddenly saved.

One day after trading Gomez and the five years and $33.5 million left on his contract to the Montreal Canadiens, the Rangers signed the 27-year-old Gaborik away from the Minnesota Wild with a five-year, $37.5 million deal.

"He is an exciting guy to watch play," Rangers general manager Glen Sather said Wednesday night. "He can skate and does a lot of great things. He's a great player and he's young. I certainly think he's in the top 10 in this league."

Gaborik was the only remaining player from the Wild's original team, and was the club's first draft pick nine years ago. He is the Wild's career-leading scorer.

After netting a career-high 42 goals in the 2007-08 season with the Wild, he was limited to 17 games last season due to injuries. He still managed to score 13 goals in that span. Gaborik has scored at least 30 goals in five of his eight NHL seasons.

Sather said the Rangers talked with doctors who performed Gaborik's hip surgery that kept him off the ice most of last season. The doctor is confident he will be back in top shape in New York.

"He is very healthy," Sather said. "Mario Lemieux had the surgery that he had. We don't expect that there are going to be any problems."

Offense was a big problem for the Rangers last season and led to their first-round playoff elimination against Washington when they blew a 3-1 series lead. Only the New York Islanders in the Eastern Conference scored fewer regular-season goals than the Rangers' 210.

New coach John Tortorella, who took over for the fired Tom Renney in February, lamented the lack of scoring punch in the postseason and plans to fully implement a hard-charging attack next season.

Gaborik is now at the forefront of the Rangers' offense. He already proved he could score under the defensive-style system run by former Wild coach Jacques Lemaire.

"Gaborik played under that system and he's got almost a point a game," Sather said. "He's been very productive, so it's going to be very interesting to watch to see how he does with Tortorella's system.

"As Torts has described, we're going to have a very uptempo, speed game. This guy fits the bill to a T."

The Rangers had a complex day Wednesday as they juggled several scenarios. They had discussions with Ottawa, which was looking to trade disgruntled forward Dany Heatley. When a deal couldn't be worked out there, Sather completed negotiations to land Gaborik, for the same money that would have gone to Heatley.

"We had to wait until today before we talked to Gaborik, but I had a pretty good idea that he was interested in coming to New York," Sather said. "It took us a long time to get the deal done, but we're very happy and excited that we got him signed.

"There was more balls than that in the air, but Gaborik was the guy that we targeted from the beginning."

The Rangers moved quickly earlier in the day to sign enforcer Donald Brashear away from the Washington Capitals. Colton Orr, who previously served that role in New York, agreed to a four-year deal with Toronto on Wednesday.

Brashear led the Capitals with 119 penalty minutes, and had one goal and four points in 63 games. In 989 career games with Montreal, Vancouver, Philadelphia and Washington, Brashear has 85 goals, 204 points and 2,561 penalty minutes.

"We think that Brashear gives you a couple of other things," Sather said. "He's quicker, he can get in on the puck a little faster, and under the style of game that we're going to be playing, we just think that he's going to be a little more effective for us."

Brashear was suspended by the NHL for a total of six games - five for a "blind-side hit" on Rangers center Blair Betts - during the teams' first-round playoff series.

Sather doesn't think it will be a problem bringing Brashear into the Rangers' dressing room.

"No, I think our players will be excited to have him," Sather said. "They know he's going to be the man. It's a tough job to do, and he's a tough guy and he's very capable of doing it."

-- Ira Podell

Canucks sign Sedin twins to 5-year deals 

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Daniel and Henrik Sedin have agreed to five-year contract extensions with the Vancouver Canucks less than an hour before the start of free agency.

The Canucks gave the identical twins matching $30.5 million deals, keeping them with the team that drafted them second and third overall in 1999.

"We said from Day One we always wanted to stay and that was our main option, but the longer it took we considered all the possible options," said Henrik, who shared a phone with Daniel during a conference call from their native Sweden. "Vancouver was always No. 1. It came down to the last day but it happened and we're extremely happy."

The Sedins led the Canucks in scoring for the last three seasons, averaging close to a point a game over that time, including 82 points each last season. Just before they could test their market worth, they agreed to remain with Vancouver.

"We said we wanted to stay and that's been our main goal, but the longer it went the more thinking we had to do," Daniel said. "But in the end it was an easy choice and the right one."

The deals were struck after a full year of negotiations, but weren't finished until after Canucks general manager Mike Gillis flew to the Sedins' native Sweden early this week. The team had been reluctant to move off five-year offers worth $5.5 million a season, while the 28-year-old Sedins had proposed a pair of 12-year, $63-million contracts.

"We never said we were guys that wanted to go for the big money," said Henrik, who added that no-movement clauses in the new deals were a key component. "Our families are important to us and we've been there a long time. For us it's important to find a place we were happy. But at the same time we wanted to be treated fairly, and I think we have been."

Playing together for all but a few games with the Canucks, the Sedins have a combined 288 goals in 1,288 NHL games. Like the twins themselves, their statistics are tough to tell apart: Henrik has 460 points in 646 games, and Daniel 462 points in 642 games.

Daniel is the goal scorer of the pair, averaging more than 30 over the past three seasons, while Henrik has been among the league leaders in assists.

Just a few hours into the free-agent shopping season, longtime Canucks defenseman Mattias Ohlund left Vancouver for a seven-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 32-year-old Ohlund spent the first 11 years of his career with the Canucks, who selected him with the No. 13 pick in the 1994 draft.

He had 93 goals and 232 assists in 770 games with Vancouver. His departure made the Sedins the longest-tenured Canucks on the current roster.

"Daniel and Henrik Sedin are this club's offensive leaders and players we want to build around," Gillis said in a statement. "Their level of performance in every area of the game is exceptional - both Daniel and Henrik are committed to winning and we want them to succeed."

Flames ink Bouwmeester

CALGARY, Alberta - Jay Bouwmeester was ready to be a piece of the Calgary Flames' puzzle instead of carrying the load for another team.

The 25-year-old from Edmonton was the biggest prize in the free-agent defensemen market and he didn't even wait for the market to open Wednesday.

Bouwmeester agreed to a five-year, $33 million deal with the Flames on Tuesday. He didn't even entertain any other offers.

"It just got to the point where I was totally comfortable with things here," Bouwmeester said Wednesday. "It probably wouldn't have really mattered what else was out there. I liked the situation. I can't really explain it. It's just one of those things. You just kind of know."

The Flames' personnel, particularly on the blue line, drew Bouwmeester to Calgary because he sees himself as a cog in the wheel of a high-end defense that includes Robyn Regehr, Dion Phaneuf and Cory Sarich.

"That's what was one of the things that was real attractive here," Bouwmeester said. "You look at the solid group of guys they already have. Robyn and Dion, and not just those two. Cory Sarich, I've played against him a long time. It seemed like it would be an easy place to slide in and hopefully have some success."

Flames GM Darryl Sutter dealt Jordan Leopold and a draft pick to Florida at the NHL draft last weekend to get Bouwmeester's rights and a head start on the competition to sign him. Sutter met with Bouwmeester at his Edmonton home Monday.

"We had no intention of waiting for today," Sutter said. "We prioritized the position and the player. We talked a lot of different ideas for him in terms of longer, shorter (contracts), but what it always kept coming back to was this was the market he wanted to play in."

Sutter later announced the signing of forward Fredrik Sjostrom.

"Freddie is a reliable two-way player," Sutter said. "We are happy to add him to our group as we identify him as a player who plays our style of game."

Sutter continued with the youth movement on the back end by signing Adam Pardy, another 25-year-old. He had a goal and nine assists in 60 games as a rookie last season.

Defenseman Adrian Aucoin, Anders Eriksson, Rhet Warrener, forwards Todd Bertuzzi, Mike Cammalleri, Carsen Germyn and enforcer Andre Roy all became unrestricted free agents Wednesday. Sutter didn't intend to re-sign them.

"Today no. We're not walking away on anybody, but at the same time the philosophy doesn't change," Sutter said. "It's about young players."

Bouwmeester played a full 82 games for the Florida Panthers the last four seasons, although he never played a postseason game during his six-season tenure there.

He's young, durable and one of the best puck movers in the league on defense. But it's his play without the puck that made him a hot commodity for Calgary.

Sutter bired brother Brent as the club's coach earlier this month with a view to restoring the defensive play that dropped to 23rd in the NHL this past season after sitting at No. 1 during the 2005-06 season.

Bouwmeester, who played for Canada at the 2006 Olympics, is a part of that vision. The 6-foot-4, 214-pounder had 15 goals and 27 assists for Florida last season and his career totals there are 53 goals and 150 assists in 471 games.

"You can put him in any situation, power play, penalty kill, five on five, four on four and because he's such a smart player and such a great skater, he brings a lot of things to the table," Brent Sutter said. "He has a great understanding of how to play when the team doesn't have the puck and how to pay attention to detail."

Canadiens sign Cammalleri

MONTREAL - The Montreal Canadiens were busy again Wednesday with the signings of wingers Mike Cammalleri and Brian Gionta and defensemen Jaroslav Spacek and Hal Gill on the first day of free-agent shopping in the NHL.

One day after acquiring center Scott Gomez from the New York Rangers in a six-player trade, the Canadiens signed Cammalleri to a five-year, $30 million contract, Gionta to a five-year, $25 million deal, Spacek to a three-year deal worth $11.5 million, and Gill - fresh off a Stanley Cup title with the Pittsburgh Penguins - for two years and $4.5 million.

"We have a player who is a No. 1 center and, without the trade, I think we wouldn't have been able to be as aggressive or as attractive to those other players," general manager Bob Gainey said.

The moves put a new face on the Canadiens, who had 10 unrestricted free agents of their own on the market.

Cammalleri, who led the Flames with 39 goals last season, became a popular player in Calgary after being acquired from the Los Angeles Kings last season. He had 82 points in 81 games, second on the team behind linemate Jarome Iginla.

He is getting a substantial raise from the $3.6 million he earned last season. In 364 career NHL games, the 27-year-old Cammalleri has 132 goals and 155 assists.

Gionta had a career-high 48 goals and 89 points in 2005-06 for New Jersey, but his goals have dropped to 25, 22 and 20 over the last three seasons.

"Gionta has a background with Gomez (with New Jersey) and he has a good reputation among the players," Gainey said. "He's a top player in his position and depending on who he plays with, good things can happen. We hope that he can get back to 75-to-80 point seasons."

The 35-year-old Spacek had eight goals and 45 points for the Buffalo Sabres last season, matching a career high for points set with Columbus during the 2002-03 season. He spent the past three seasons in Buffalo, where he signed as a free agent in 2006. He earned $3.3 million last season.

Spacek has 69 goals and 208 assists in 576 career NHL games.

The 6-foot-7 Gill, who began his career with Boston in 1997, joined the Penguins last season after being traded by the Toronto Maple Leafs and became part of Pittsburgh's shutdown defensive pairing with fellow free agent Rob Scuderi.

"I loved the city and the organization, but we decided to part ways," Gill told TSN. "The timing was right.

"(Montreal) is a great organization. I've always loved to play in that building. It's a new experience to go to Quebec and play, and my family is excited about that."

The Canadiens lost veteran defenseman Mike Komisarek as a free agent to the rival Maple Leafs.

Sabres land free-agent D Montador

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Unable to meet defensman Jaroslav Spacek's contract demands, the Buffalo Sabres wasted little time to find an experienced - but less expensive - replacement: Steve Montador.

The seven-year NHL veteran agreed to a two-year $3.1 million contract shortly after free-agency opened Wednesday. He'll make $1.55 million - nearly double what he earned last year - in each season.

Montador had four goals and 17 assists in 78 games last season, which he finished with Boston after being acquired from Anaheim in March. He is a physical player who picked up 143 penalty minutes last season.

Listed at 6-feet and 211 pounds, Montador lacks Spacek's offensive touch, but does provide the Sabres with more toughness along the blue line.

"We think there's still an upside to his game," general manager Darcy Regier said, referring to Montador. "And knowing that we were going to lose Jaro, we felt we needed to bring someone in. ... With the grittiness and toughness he brings, it's an added dimension for us."

The Sabres had given up on re-signing Spacek, who became a free agent after rejecting the team's one-year contract offer. Spacek, who led Buffalo defensemen with eight goals and 45 points last season, signed a three-year contract reportedly worth $11.5 million with Montreal on Wednesday.

Montador jumped at the opportunity to play with the Sabres, because of the immediate interest they showed in him, and because Buffalo is a short drive from his family and friends in Mississauga, Ontario.

"It was an easy decision on a number of levels," Montador said by phone. "One, it's always been a competitive team. ... And another point, it's close to home. I haven't been this close in a number of years."

Undrafted after completing his Canadian junior career, Montador broke into the NHL with Calgary during the 2001-02 season. He also spent three seasons playing with Florida, including 2007-08, when he had career bests with eight goals and 23 points in 73 games.

Montador will be given an opportunity to compete for a job among the Sabres top-two defensive pairings, which will include returning veterans Craig Rivet, Toni Lydman and Henrik Tallinder. The Sabres are also high on several youngsters including Andrej Sekera and Chris Butler.

Tyler Myers, the team's 2008 first-round draft pick, will also be given an opportunity to make the team this season, though he's still eligible to play junior hockey.

-- John Wawrow

'Canes re-sign Cole for 2 years

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Carolina Hurricanes are keeping Erik Cole, agreeing Wednesday to a two-year deal with the physical forward.

Cole will make $2.8 million this upcoming season and $3 million in 2010-11.

The Hurricanes' third-round pick in 1998 took a pay cut to stay in Raleigh. He made $4 million last season while completing a three-year deal he signed in 2006.

Carolina dealt Cole to Edmonton last summer, then reacquired the fan favorite at the trade deadline. His return re-energized the Hurricanes - and All-Star Eric Staal in particular - down the stretch, with points in 15 of the final 17 games in the regular season. He struggled in the playoffs with no goals and five assists in 18 games.

Cole had 18 goals and 24 assists in 80 regular-season games.

"Erik clearly had an instant impact on our team when he returned to Carolina," general manager Jim Rutherford said. "He has been an important piece for our franchise for a long time, and we are pleased that he has decided to remain at home in Raleigh."

Cole became the second of Carolina's potential free agents to re-sign this week. Playoff hero Jussi Jokinen previously signed on for two more years.

Also Wednesday, the Hurricanes signed restricted free agent forwards Patrick Dwyer and Michael Ryan to two-way contracts.

Dwyer's two-year contract will pay him $500,000 per season at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level. Ryan's one-year contract will pay him $500,000 in the NHL level and $100,000 in the AHL, with $150,000 guaranteed.

Booth, Dvorak agree to terms with Panthers

SUNRISE, Fla. - The Florida Panthers agreed to a six-year contract extension with David Booth, shortly after the young forward became a restricted free agent on Wednesday.

The deal was announced Wednesday, early in the NHL's free-agent signing season.

In 72 games for the Panthers last season, Booth recorded 31 goals and 29 assists, both career highs. The 24-year-old Michigan native also became the sixth player in franchise history to score at least 30 goals. He led the team with 246 shots.

"He's happy to stay in Florida," said Booth's agent, Mike Liut. "They have a young team that they're building toward something. You want to be a part of that."

Booth, who has been invited to attend USA Hockey's Olympic orientation camp next month, remains part of a hockey club that hasn't won a playoff series since 1996 or a playoff game since 1997. Florida's third choice (53rd overall) in the 2004 draft, Booth has 56 goals and 54 assists in his 193 NHL games.

"David is coming off a career-best season and he is undoubtedly an important part of our club's future. ... Through his hard work, commitment and passion for the game, he has become a role model for other players, as well as a fan favorite," Panthers assistant general manager Randy Sexton said in a statement.

Also on Wednesday, the Panthers announced that right wing Radek Dvorak has agreed to terms on a two-year deal. Dvorak, 32, had 15 goals and 21 assists during the 2008-09 season.

Penguins, often without enforcer, add Rupp

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins signed checking-line forward Mike Rupp to a $1.6 million, two-year contract Wednesday, adding a physical presence to a team that didn't have an enforcer on the ice during the playoffs.

The 29-year-old Rupp essentially plays the same role as forward Eric Godard, who was deactivated for all of the Stanley Cup champions' playoff games.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Rupp will make $825,000 each season. He had three goals, six assists and 136 penalty minutes in 72 games for New Jersey last season.

The Penguins lost one of their two top-line defensemen when Hal Gill signed a two-year contract with Montreal. Pittsburgh showed no interest in signing the 34-year-old Gill beyond one season.

Rupp scored the winning goal during the Devils' 3-0 victory over Anaheim in Game 7 of the 2003 Stanley Cup finals. He has 27 goals, 26 assists and 412 penalty minutes in 335 games with New Jersey, Phoenix and Columbus.

The Penguins also signed former Boston University defenseman Brian Strait to a three-year, entry-level contract. Strait was a third-round draft pick in 2006.

Flyers agree to terms with Boucher, Laperriere

PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Flyers have agreed to terms with rugged forward Ian Laperriere and goalie Brian Boucher.

The team announced the agreements with the unrestricted free agents in a conference call Wednesday, the first time of the NHL free-agent season.

Boucher, who was a backup goalie for the San Jose Sharks, backstopped the Flyers' run to the 2000 Eastern Conference finals in an earlier stint with Philadelphia. He will likely be a backup this time behind recent acquisition Ray Emery.

Laperriere had seven goals, 12 assists and 163 penalty minutes last season with the Avalanche, his third with Colorado. He has also played for St. Louis, the New York Rangers and Los Angeles in a 15-season NHL career. 

Former Canucks D Ohlund signs with Lightning

TAMPA, Fla. - Free agent defenseman Mattias Ohlund has signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The 32-year-old native of Sweden has played in 770 games over the past 11 NHL seasons, all with the Vancouver Canucks. He is the Canucks' career leader in goals by a defenseman and was an All-Star during the 1998-99 season.

He received a seven-year deal worth $24.5 million.

It was the first of a series of moves for the Lightning on Wednesday, as they also signed defenseman Matt Walker away from the Chicago Blackhawks and re-signed defenseman Lukas Krajicek.

Walker played in 65 games for the Blackhawks last season, when he had one goal and a career-high 13 assists. Krajicek, who signed a one-year deal, had two goals and 19 points last season with the Lightning.

Ohlund played in all 82 games last season, finishing with six goals and 25 points. He has 93 goals and 325 points during his career. In 52 playoff games, Ohlund notched nine goals and 28 points.

The Lightning not only feel they improved their roster immediately, but also are counting on Ohlund to be a mentor for Victor Hedman, the No. 2 overall pick in last week's NHL draft.

Capitals sign RW Knuble to free-agent contract

WASHINGTON - The Washington Capitals addressed their need for a scoring winger, signing right wing Mike Knuble to a two-year deal worth $5.6 million on the first day of NHL free agency.

Knuble, who turns 37 on Saturday, had 27 goals and 20 assists in 82 games for Philadelphia last season. The deal was announced Wednesday, a few hours after teams could sign free agents.

He could replace Viktor Kozlov, who signed with Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the Kontinental Hockey League last month, as a first-line forward alongside left wing Alex Ovechkin and center Nicklas Backstrom.

In 13 seasons with Detroit, the New York Rangers, Boston and Philadelphia, Knuble has 215 goals and 214 assists in 820 games.

Former Rangers enforcer Orr signs with Maple Leafs

TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs are bringing some much needed muscle into their lineup with the signing of former New York Rangers enforcer Colton Orr.

The Maple Leafs and Orr agreed to terms on a four-year deal Wednesday shortly after the NHL's free-agent shopping season began at noon. Toronto general manager Brian Burke has repeatedly said since he took over last season that it was his intent to make the Maple Leafs tougher.

Orr has piled up more than 100 penalty minutes each of the past three seasons. He had 52 fighting majors during that time with the Rangers.

The 27-year-old forward is joining his third Original Six team after stops in Boston and New York.

Blues sign free-agent goalie Conklin

ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Blues, seeking to add depth at the goaltender position, have signed free-agent Ty Conklin.

Terms of the deal announced Wednesday were not disclosed.

The 33-year-old Conklin played in 40 games for Detroit last season, going 25-11-2 with a 2.51 goals against average and a .909 save percentage. His six shutouts tied for the sixth-most in the NHL.

The Anchorage, Alaska, native is 73-43-14 with a 2.58 goals against average and .909 save percentage in six seasons. He was originally signed by Edmonton as an undrafted free agent in 2001.

Chris Mason seized the starting job in midseason from Manny Legace and started the final 33 regular-season games and all four playoff games for the Blues.

G Roloson joins Islanders, teams up with DiPietro

UNIONDALE, N.Y. - If Rick DiPietro gets hurt again, the New York Islanders now have a veteran goalie to back him up.

The Islanders signed Dwayne Roloson to a two-year, $5 million contract on Wednesday, luring him away from the Edmonton Oilers, who refused to go beyond one year for the 39-year-old netminder.

"We are thrilled to add Dwayne to our lineup," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said in a statement on the first day of the NHL free-agent season. "He is a proven winner having led the Edmonton Oilers to the Stanley Cup finals in 2006 and we look forward to him bringing his veteran leadership to the Islanders."

DiPietro, three seasons into a landmark 15-year-deal with the Islanders, was limited to five games last season due to a knee injury. His status for the upcoming season is unknown.

Roloson played in 63 games for the Oilers last season, going 28-24-9 with a 2.77 goals-against average. He went 12-5 in the 2006 playoffs during Edmonton's run to the finals.

In 462 career NHL games with Calgary, Buffalo, Minnesota and Edmonton, Roloson has 167 wins and 23 shutouts.

Oilers sign G Khabibulin to replace Roloson

EDMONTON. Alberta - The Edmonton Oilers are turning to another veteran goaltender.

Edmonton signed 36-year-old Nikolai Khabibulin to a four-year, 15-million deal on Wednesday. He'll replace 39-year-old Dwayne Roloson, who signed earlier in the day with the New York Islanders.

Khabibulin is a former Stanley Cup winner who spent last season with the Chicago Blackhawks.

He went 25-8-7 with a 2.33 goals-against average and .919 save percentage despite missing time due to a nagging groin injury.

"Nikolai is a world-class goaltender who has proven himself throughout his career as one of the best in the game," Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini said in a release. "He has had success at many levels of hockey and we're looking forward to seeing him continue that success here in Edmonton."

Khabibulin joins his fifth NHL team after stops with the Chicago Blackhawks, Tampa Bay Lightning, Phoenix Coyotes and Winnipeg Jets. He backstopped the Lightning to the Stanley Cup title in 2004.

Avalanche sign free agent goalie Craig Anderson

DENVER - The Colorado Avalanche have signed free agent goalie Craig Anderson to a two-year contract.

Anderson, who agreed to terms Wednesday, spent the past three seasons with the Florida Panthers. The 28-year-old Anderson ranked third in the league last season with a .924 save percentage in 31 games. He was 15-7-5 with a 2.71 goals-against average and three shutouts.

The 6-foot-2 goalie has played in 109 career NHL games with Chicago and Florida, posting a 36-43-13 record.

Predators re-sign forward Joel Ward

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Nashville Predators have re-signed forward Joel Ward to a two-year, $3 million contract.

The Predators announced the deal on Wednesday.

Ward, 28, posted 35 points on 17 goals and 18 assists in 79 games with Nashville in 2008-09, his first full NHL season. He finished the year tied for fourth on the club in goals scored.

Ward formerly played for the Minnesota Wild.

Devils re-sign defenseman Andy Greene

NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils have re-signed defenseman Andy Greene.

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello announced the signing Wednesday without revealing terms of the deal.

The 26-year-old Greene has played three seasons with the Devils organization. He had two goals and seven assists in 49 regular-season games last season.

Over three seasons, he has five goals and 20 assists in 131 games.

The Trenton, Mich., native signed with the Devils as a free agent in April 2006 after four seasons at Ohio's Miami University.

Maple Leafs sign D Komisarek away from Canadiens

TORONTO - Mike Komisarek is about to see the other side of hockey's oldest rivalry.

The free-agent defenseman signed a five-year, $22.5-million deal to join the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.

Komisarek had spent his entire NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens and drew lots of interest around the NHL after becoming an unrestricted free agent Wednesday. Eventually, the 27-year-old Komisarek decided to join the Maple Leafs.

Komisarek had two goals and 11 points in 66 games for Montreal last season, along with 121 penalty minutes.

Bruins sign rookie Bitz to multiyear deal

BOSTON - Byron Bitz has signed a multiyear contract to stay with the Boston Bruins.

The deal announced Wednesday keeps the 24-year-old forward with the team after a rookie season in which he had four goals and three assists in 35 games and showed a physical style. In five playoff games, he had one goal and one assist.

The Bruins drafted Bitz in the fourth round of the 2003 NHL draft after four years at Cornell.

Boston also signed center Steve Begin to a one-year contract. The 31-year-old played with Montreal and Dallas last season, recording 12 points in 62 games.

Blue Jackets sign C Sami Pahlsson to 3-year deal

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Seeking depth at center, the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed free agent Samuel Pahlsson to a three-year contract.

Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson announced the move on Wednesday, the first day NHL teams could sign free agents from other clubs.

The 31-year-old Swede played for Anaheim and Chicago last season, totaling seven goals and 11 assists in 65 games.

Pahlsson has 54 goals and 92 assists in 557 career games. He made his NHL debut with Boston in 2000-2001.

Colorado Avs sign free agent Koci to contract

DENVER - The Colorado Avalanche have signed free agent forward David Koci to a one-year contract.

The financial terms weren't disclosed in Wednesday's announcement.

The 28-year-old Koci appeared in 37 combined games with the Tampa Bay Lightning and St. Louis Blues during the 2008-09 season. He had two points and 141 penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-6, 238-pound left wing was selected 146th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2000 entry draft. Koci made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2006-07 season.

The Prague, Czech Republic, native has appeared in 64 career NHL games, recording two points and 297 penalty minutes.

Coyotes sign LaBarbera to 2-year contract

GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Phoenix Coyotes signed free-agent goalie Jason LaBarbera to a two-year contract Wednesday. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The 29-year-old LaBarbera was 8-10-6 with a 2.78 goals-against average with two shutouts in 28 games last season for the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks.

In 107 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, Los Angeles and Vancouver, LaBarbera has a 37-44-10 record with four shutouts and a 2.97 GAA.

Also

Cash-strapped Coyotes won't splurge on free agents

PHOENIX - Phoenix Coyotes general manager Don Maloney wishes he had a larger budget for next season.

What general manager doesn't?

The NHL and owner Jerry Moyes have been battling in bankruptcy court, but Maloney said representatives of the league and Moyes have agreed on a payroll that will allow the financially strapped team to be competitive.

"Would you like another ‘X' amount of millions to maybe be available? Sure," Maloney told The Associated Press this week. "There's enough room in this budget to put a good team on the ice, and to continue to get better."

Maloney wouldn't disclose his projected payroll for 2009-10, but it's expected to be in line with last year's payroll, estimated at about $43 million.

Even before the team filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May, the Coyotes were not expected to be big players when NHL free agency opened on Wednesday. The club has been sticking to its latest plan to develop draft choices, who typically cost less than proven NHL veterans.

"We're not going to be able to go out and grab that scorer who is an All-Star," Maloney said. "We have to develop that All-Star ourselves."

Later Wednesday, Maloney announced that the Coyotes had signed center Vern Fiddler and goaltender Jason LaBarbera, both to two-year contracts.

Fiddler, 29, had 11 goals and six assists in 77 games last season for the Nashville Predators. He has played in 305 NHL games over six seasons, all with Nashville, and has 45 career goals and 48 assists.

LaBarbera, 29, had a 8-10-6 record and 2.78 goals against average with two shutouts in 28 games last season with the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks. In 107 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, Los Angeles and Vancouver, he has a 37-44-10 record with four shutouts and a 2.97 GAA.

Maloney said he's been able to go about his business this summer despite the bankruptcy proceedings and a looming sale. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Maloney "has not been handcuffed by this process.

"Don has come forward with player budgets, operating budgets that were consistent with his long-term vision and plan," Daly said during a visit to the Coyotes' training facility this week. "He's had no pushback, either from the Moyes group or the National Hockey League, so I would say that he's been given the latitude to execute on the plan he has for the growth of this franchise."

Maloney dismissed the notion that the Coyotes' personnel decisions have been dictated by finances.

"There has not been a mandate to pare down and nickel-and-dime anything," Maloney said. "We have to be prudent in what we spend, but we're no different than a lot of teams. There are a lot of teams in this league that are doing exactly what we are."

After signing a series of free-agent busts, the Coyotes decided to rebuild through the draft, a sometimes painful process. This year they focused on defense and toughness.

"We had drafted a lot of skill over the last few years," Maloney said. "We just thought, let's get some fight in here, draft some players who will go through the wall for you."

Phoenix also acquired three defensemen in trades, including 29-year-old veteran Jim Vandermeer from the Calgary Flames.

The Coyotes finished tied for 13th in the 15-team Western Conference last season. After a chaotic offseason, expectations figure to be just as low next season.

"We're a lot better than people give us credit for," Maloney said. "There's so much negativity around, everybody's going to pick us for dead last. It's going to be a key time for us to develop these players."

-- Andrew Bagnato

Thrashers land Kubina from Maple Leafs

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Thrashers found help for their porous defense, acquiring defenseman Pavel Kubina from Toronto in a four-player trade Wednesday night.

The Thrashers traded defenseman Garnet Exelby and forward Colin Stuart to the Maple Leafs for Kubina, a former All-Star, and forward Tim Stapleton.

The Thrashers gave up 280 goals last season, the second-highest figure in the NHL, behind Toronto's 293.

Thrashers general manager Don Waddell said the 32-year-old Kubina will give Atlanta one of its strongest defensive lines.

"I feel it's one of the best groups of top four defensemen we've probably ever had here in the history of the Thrashers," Waddell said, referring to Kubina, Zach Bogosian, Tobias Enstrom and Ron Hainsey.

Kubina matched his career high with 40 points for Toronto last season. He had 14 goals and 26 assists.

The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Kubina, a 2004 All-Star, will add size and experience to the Thrashers.

Kubina helped Tampa Bay win the Stanley Cup in 2004 and has appeared in 38 playoff games.

Kubina, a native of Celadna, Czech Republic, represented his country in the 2002 and 2006 Olympics.

Stapleton scored one goal in four games with the Maple Leafs last season.

Exelby had seven assists in 59 games last season.

Waddell said it was painful to trade Exelby, a 1999 Atlanta draft pick who appeared in more games than any defenseman in team history.

"It's disappointing to have to trade one of your favorite players," said Waddell, who said Exelby "did everything we ever asked of him."

Stuart had five goals and three assists in 33 games.

"Stuart started coming into his own last year and was a good player for us, but when you make a deal and when you get a good player back, you have to give something up," Waddell said.

-- Charles Odum