NHL Free Agency Capsules: Fedotenko takes pay cut to stay with Penguins

PITTSBURGH - Turns out more than one player is willing to take a hometown discount to stay with the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

Ruslan Fedotenko signed a $1.8 million, one-year contract Friday, becoming the third forward to take a pay cut so he wouldn't have to leave a mostly young team that expects to be a championship contender for years.

Fedotenko made $2.25 million last season, when he bounced back from a disappointing regular season (16 goals, 39 points) to get seven goals and seven assists in the playoffs.

Craig Adams ($600,000 to $550,000) and Bill Guerin ($4.5 million to $2 million) also accepted salary cuts to stay after the free-agent signing period began Wednesday.

Enforcer-type forward Mike Rupp got a raise from $500,000 to $800,000 to leave New Jersey, but it is difficult to persuade free agents to take a pay cut and switch teams.

"I think it says a lot about Bill Guerin, Craig Adams and Ruslan Fedotenko to want to come back here and be part of this group," general manager Ray Shero said Friday. "A guy like Mike Rupp really adds to our depth, our grit and our character, and obviously all these guys have won in the past. I'm happy with our forward group."

The defense is thinner following the departures of Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill, Pittsburgh's shutdown combination during the playoffs. Both signed for far more money than the Penguins - currently only $2.96 million under the salary cap - could afford.

Scuderi, who made $725,00 last season, signed a $13.6 million, four-year deal with Los Angeles, or about $1.4 million more per season than Pittsburgh offered. Gill signed for $4.5 million over two years with Montreal; the Penguins were interested only in a one-season contract.

"We don't win without those two guys, for sure," Shero said. "In Scuds' case, by NHL standards he has not made a lot of money. It's harder to find a nicer guy than Rob, so to see him take advantage of the system and the great year he had is really satisfying. That's the system and I'm thrilled for him."

Scuderi and Gill took on bigger roles when No. 1 defenseman Sergei Gonchar missed three-quarters of the season with a shoulder injury, then tore a knee ligament during the playoffs. With Gonchar expected to be healthy when he returns for training camp in September, along with Brooks Orpik, Mark Eaton, Kris Letang and Alex Goligoski, Shero anticipates adding only one experienced defenseman.

"We've been in touch with a number of guys that are unrestricted (free agents) so we're going to wait and see," said Shero, who won't rule out a trade. "I think we're in good shape - we want to find the right guy, the right fit."

Shero hasn't gotten a recent medical update on Gonchar, who was badly injured during the second round against Washington but returned after missing only two games.

"No news is good news, right?" Shero said.

While the Penguins are bringing back Fedotenko, they aren't making a strong push to re-sign forward Petr Sykora, who had 25 goals in 76 regular-season games but was injured or ineffective throughout the playoffs. The 32-year-old Sykora had only two goals in his final 24 games.

"Maybe we'll revisit it next week and see where we're at," Shero said. "I haven't closed the door."

By signing Rupp, the Penguins added to their collection of players who have scored the game-winning goal in a Stanley Cup Game 7. They have three of the last four to do so in Rupp (2003), Fedotenko (2004) and Max Talbot (2009).

The 30-year-old Fedotenko became the first Ukrainian-born player to win the Stanley Cup when he scored both Tampa Bay goals in a 2-1 victory in Game 7 against Calgary.

Penguins sign D Nate Guenin

PITTSBURGH - Defenseman Nate Guenin, who has played in 12 NHL games, has signed a two-way contract with his hometown Pittsburgh Penguins for the 2009-10 season.

Guenin, from the Pittsburgh suburb of Sewickley, will make $500,000 if he plays in the NHL and $105,000 if he plays at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (AHL).

The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Guenin had 14 assists in 62 games last season with the Philadelphia Flyers' AHL farm team, which also plays in Philadelphia. He played in one game with the Flyers.

Guenin, 26, was a fourth-round draft pick by the New York Rangers in 2002.

Guenin, who signed Friday, would be the third Pittsburgh-area player to play for the Penguins, joining Ryan Malone and Bill Thomas.

Canucks land free-agent winger Mikael Samuelsson

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Free agent forward Mikael Samuelsson signed a $7.5 million, three-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks on Friday.

"Obviously (the money) was the key, I shouldn't lie," Samuelsson said in a conference call after signing the deal.

The Swedish right wing spent the past four seasons in Detroit, winning the Stanley Cup in 2008 and falling one game short this past season. The 32-year-old forward has 86 goals and 208 points in 466 career NHL games.

Samuelsson was also part of Sweden's gold medal-winning team at the 2006 Turin Olympics.

He's the third forward to leave the Red Wings this spring. Marian Hossa and Tomas Kopecky signed with the Chicago Blackhawks this week.

Samuelsson believes the Canucks, who signed brothers Daniel and Henrik Sedin of Sweden to contract extensions this week, can contend for the Stanley Cup.

"I like the team," he said. "When you play against Vancouver it's always a hard game and a skill game too.

"You need some experience (to win the Cup). You need to be hungry. I believe we can do some damage."

Coyotes sign Heshka to 1-year contract

GLENDALE, Ariz. - The Phoenix Coyotes signed defenseman Shaun Heshka to a one-year contract Friday.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The 24-year-old Heshka was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for the Coyotes' seventh-round draft choice (187th overall) in last month's NHL draft.

Heshka had three goals and 23 assists in 77 games last season with Manitoba of the American Hockey League.

He originally signed with Vancouver as a free agent in July 2006.

Elsewhere

Nash re-ups with Jackets for 8 years

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Rick Nash and the Columbus Blue Jackets have reached agreement on an eight-year contract extension through the 2017-18 season.

Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson confirmed the signing to The Associated Press on Friday night. The Canadian Press first reported the signing, saying the deal is worth $62.4 million. Nash will make $7 million in 2009-10.

"Rick made a significant statement to Columbus and for Columbus in terms of how he feels about playing here," Howson said. "He loves Columbus; he never wanted to leave. That's what made me so optimistic all along that we could sign him to an extension."

Nash, who would have been an unrestricted free agent after next season, set career and team highs last season with his 79 points (40 goals, 39 assists) in 78 games in leading Columbus to its first trip to the playoffs in the franchise's eighth season. It was not just a coincidence that it was also Nash's first full season as captain.

The 25-year-old left wing from Brampton, Ontario, tied for the NHL lead in goals with 41 in the 2003-04 season. He was at his cottage in Ontario and not immediately available to return calls requesting comment on the new contract.

There had been speculation that his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs, among several others, would have been prime buyers for his services if he had entered the free-agent market.

Howson said it was important to note that the deal still allows the Blue Jackets enough wiggle room in their budget to get or keep other quality players to play with Nash and improve the team.

"He allowed us some flexibility," Howson said. "He's aware that by signing this contract that other players will be able to get paid as well."

The Blue Jackets made two free-agent signings on Wednesday: center Sami Pahlsson and goalie Mathieu Garon. Pahlsson adds another experienced puck-handler to the lineup and Garon will serve as a backup and mentor to Calder Trophy-winner Steve Mason.

The club, which already has touted young players such as Antoine Vermette, Derick Brassard, Jake Voracek and Nikita Filatov, is still in the market for help on the blue line and perhaps another center. Nash's signing might make it easier to get players to commit to the team.

Nash, Columbus' first overall pick in the 2002 draft, is the Blue Jackets' all-time leader in goals (194) and points (355) in 441 career games. The four-time NHL All-Star has led the club in goals for the past five seasons.

At last month's NHL Awards in Las Vegas, he was named the winner of the NHL Foundation Player Award in recognition of his charitable work and commitment to the community. Earlier this week, he was invited to the orientation camp which will determine Canada's team in the 2010 Olympics.

-- Rick Nash

Bruins' Recchi: Likely his last season in NHL

BOSTON - Mark Recchi wants one last chance to be a Stanley Cup champ again.

The 41-year-old Recchi, who signed a one-year deal to return to the Bruins on Thursday, said during a conference call Friday that he'll likely call it quits after next season.

"I'm going to be honest with you. This will probably be it," the 20-year veteran said. "I want to go out and finish it off right by winning another championship and help this team be successful. I'd say this will probably be it. I've got my family situation I've got to consider and kids I've got to consider. It's been a great run. I think I want to give it one more chance. I want to give everything I have to Boston and sail off into the sunset."

Recchi, obtained in a trade-deadline day deal by the Bruins from Tampa Bay in March, was brought in to help Boston's playoff push.

But after posting the Eastern Conference's best record during the regular season, Boston was eliminated in a seven-game, second-round series by Carolina. Despite the early exit, Recchi feels like the Bruins have the pieces in place to make a run next spring.

"I really felt like it was a great fit for me and I'd have an opportunity if we do the right thing," he said from Pittsburgh, home of the current Stanley Cup champs. "Everybody left disappointed, which I really, really liked. I think the guys felt there was something left there and there was something out there. That will make us that much more hungry this year."

Recchi, the sixth leading active goal scorer, has 545 goals and 897 assists for 1,442 points in 1,490 regular-season games for seven clubs. He had six goals and 10 assists in 18 regular-season games with Boston.

He's has been part of three Stanley Cup winning teams: Pittsburgh in 1991 and 1992 and Carolina in 2006.

"I'm playing for one more. That's why I'm coming back," he said. "I've had some personal things I've done throughout my career, and I'm playing for one more ring. That's the most important thing for me. The reason I like Boston is 99 percent of the guys on that team really want to win a Cup and that's the most important thing in that dressing room."

The Bruins haven't won the Cup since 1972.

Happy Havlat checks out new home in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. - When Chicago would no longer give him a long-term contract, Martin Havlat turned his focus to Minnesota.

He was intrigued by the Wild's hockey-savvy fans, well-regarded arena, young core players and new up-tempo style, enough that he was willing to take a little less money than offered elsewhere to leave general manager Chuck Fletcher salary-cap flexibility.

"I think that speaks volumes about him. He wanted to be here," Fletcher said.

Havlat, who signed a six-year deal worth $30 million Wednesday, was introduced at Xcel Energy Center on Friday. The 28-year-old right wing is similar to the player he was essentially signed to replace, the 27-year-old Marian Gaborik.

Same position. Injury prone. Prolific scorer.

Here's one big difference, though: Feeling spurned by the Blackhawks, Havlat is delighted to be in Minnesota. Gaborik, over several years of conflicts with the organization over contracts, injury treatment, playing time and playing style, was ready to leave the Wild.

"I feel very fortunate to be here," Havlat said. "I think it's going to be a fresh start for everybody."

Havlat and Gaborik exchanged well wishes after they changed teams, and Gaborik - now with the New York Rangers - even offered Havlat his luxury condominium in Minneapolis.

"I'm not here to replace him," Havlat insisted. "Like I said, I'm here to help the team and do my best."

The Czech isn't quite as efficient of a goal scorer as Gaborik, but his skills fit with the style coach Todd Richards will push his front line to play. Fletcher said ability far outweighed the injury risk with Havlat, who missed dozens of games between 2005 and 2007 due to a shoulder problem.

"He's exactly what we were looking for: a big, strong player that has speed and can finish around the net," Richards said.

Havlat played the last three seasons for the Blackhawks, who went to the Western Conference finals this spring. He posted some critical comments on his Twitter account toward Chicago's front office the night he signed with Minnesota, and the Blackhawks gave Marian Hossa a 12-year contract, but Havlat declined on Friday to speak in detail about any subject other than the Wild.

"I feel that everything's behind me, and I just want to look forward now," Havlat said.

Earlier, he tweeted this:

- June 28: "Everyone should know I am only thinking about signing with Chicago. It's where I want to be."

- July 1: "Excited to be in Minny where I was welcomed and appreciated by management. The real story about what happened in Chicago to come out. ... There's something to be said for loyalty and honor."

Havlat confirmed those were his words, but maintained his focus on the future.

"I was really happy there and the fans were great and they were supportive those three years and the team guys were great too," he said, "and I can say only good things about them."

The Wild signed defenseman Shane Hnidy to a one-year contract Friday, adding a nine-year veteran to their third blue-line pairing and giving Fletcher three acquisitions - defenseman Greg Zanon was also signed on Wednesday - over the last three days.

"They wanted to be here, and they gave us numbers that allowed us to have them here," Fletcher said.

Saku Koivu would fill out an unquestionably productive foray into free agency. The Wild were still in the running on Friday, but Fletcher sounded confident in alternatives at the center position if Koivu chooses to sign elsewhere.

Trading is possible. Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Benoit Pouliot will probably move from the wing and get looks at the pivot during training camp. Eric Belanger and Kyle Brodziak are also on the roster behind stalwart Mikko Koivu.

"We'll see what transpires here and then readjust accordingly," Fletcher said.

Richards also finalized his coaching staff on Friday, retaining Mike Ramsey and hiring Dave Barr to be his assistants on the bench. Goalie coach Bob Mason is staying, too.

-- Dave Campbell

Fitzgerald returns to Pens' front office

PITTSBURGH - Tom Fitzgerald is returning to the Pittsburgh Penguins' front office in the newly created position of assistant to general manager Ray Shero.

Fitzgerald, a former NHL player, was the team's director of player personnel before becoming an assistant coach after Dan Bylsma replaced Michel Therrien as coach on Feb. 15. Since the Penguins won the Stanley Cup on June 12, Fitzgerald had been deciding whether to stay in coaching or return to the front office.

Dan MacKinnon will take over as director of player personnel, overseeing the team's pro scouting.

Fitzgerald will be in charge of tracking prospects in junior hockey, college, Europe and the Penguins' AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Selanne: Next season with Anaheim his last

HELSINKI - Anaheim forward Teemu Selanne says his next NHL season will be his last.

Selanne, a 10-time all-star, celebrated his 39th birthday Friday. He told the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper in Finland that a man his age doesn't belong in the NHL.

Selanne recently contemplated retirement but decided to play for one more season.

He also pondered the possibility of playing with longtime Montreal captain Saku Koivu. The Ducks are a possible new team for Koivu, who is leaving the Canadiens after 13 years.

The Finnish-born Selanne entered the NHL 1992 at age 22 with the Winnipeg Jets. In his first season, he scored 76 goals to set a rookie record.

Selanne has scored 614 goals for Winnipeg, San Jose, Colorado and Anaheim.