Free-Agency? What? OH THAT.

Marian Hossa... the newest Red Wing?!

I... I have no idea how I can form words right now.  Really.  No idea.  So excuse me if this entry is a) long and b) jumbled.

But I will cover both Wings and Columbus signings and trades (so far) so it's got a shot to be REALLY LONG.  Heh...

Detroit Red Wings (aka good chance to repeat)

11:58 am on July 1 - Resigned Brad Stuart to a 4-year deal worth $3.75 million per season.  Brad got his no-trade clause for the first two seasons, with a limited-trade clause for the last two.  The two compromised to get the deal done and both have to be happy.  Stuart was looking for his NTC, 4-5 years, and in the range of $4 million a season.  Holland (Wings GM) was looking for $3-3.5 million multi-year without a NTC.  I think Stuart got the better end of the deal, but the Wings aren't complaining either!  It's been said already that the Wings could have the best Top-4 blueline next season.

3:07 pm on July 1 - Signed UFA goaltender Ty Conklin to a one-year, $750,000 contract.  Conklin was a #3 backup for the Penguins last season and beat out their #2 to start 31 games while Marc-Andre Fleury was out with a high-ankle sprain.  He had an amazing record of 18-8-5 and a save percentage of .923 and 2.51 goals-against average.  His best run last season was a series of 11 games - he won nine straight, lost one in overtime, and won the following game, providing an amazing 21 points for the team.  With RFA Jimmy Howard having the option to be sent to the minors, Conklin will probably stick as the Red Wings' #2, providing more motivation for Howard to solidify his game in his AHL time.

12:35 pm July 2 - Highly sought after UFA forward Marian Hossa to a one-year, $7.4 million contract.  At that, it's considered a steal.  Yes, at $7.4 million!  He was getting offers of $9 million (and up?) and many multiple years, but obviously he feels his best shot is with Detroit.  Well... do you blame him?  Pittsburgh's second best player in the Cup Finals (because Malkin didn't show up until Game 4) added to the Cup Champion roster that is basically unchanged?  Haha yeah.  Wow.  Just, WOW.

Don't look for the Wings to make any other big splashes (unless, of course, Mats Sundin wants to sign with us for a measly $3 million).  We're done except for some RFA signings! :)

Columbus Blue Jackets

Sometime before free agency July 1 - Traded first-round pick Gilbert Brule to Edmonton for Raffi Torres.  Brule was the first first-round pick ever traded by the Jackets, but Torres should add some great experience to the lineup.

6:01 pm July 1 - Signed UFA defenseman Mike Commodore to a 5-year, $18.75 million contract.  Commodore is a big defenseman and will add some size.

The other big/semi-big name UFAs?

• Brian Campbell signed an 8-year, $56.8 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks.
• Brian Rolston signed a 4-year, $20.25 million contract with the New Jersey Devils, the team that drafted him.
• Wade Redden signed a 6-year, $39 million contract with the New York Rangers.
• Mats Sundin has not signed, and told the media today that while he appreciated all the offers, he probably would not make a decision - on playing, and if so, where - for a few days/weeks.
• Jaromir Jagr has reportedly been made an offer by the Penguins, though has not signed with anyone at this time.
• Brendan Shanahan is rumored to have had an offer from the Devils; no signing yet.
• Sean Avery (super-pest extraordinaire) signed a 4-year, $15.5 million contract with the Dallas Stars.

I'm still dumbfounded about Hossa.  Someone's going to have to smack me in a bit... make sure the jaw can still close...