Free Agency, Day Two
Just because July 1 has come and gone, doesn’t mean that free agency is over. Ilya Kovalchuk is still out there, as is Matt Lombardi, Lee Stempniak, and a few other mid-tier players. One guy that was taken off the UFA list today was Pavel Kubina, who signed a two-year deal with TB for $7.7 million ($4.2 million and $3.5 million). I’ll update this post throughout the day with signings that take place. Let’s hope the Rangers avoid any big(ger) contracts.
Also, ex-Ranger Jason Strudwick signed with Edmonton for a one year deal.
Update 1:05pm: After a lunch break, some activity in the NHL. Sheldon Souray was waived by Edmonton. He is due $4.5 million in salary for each of the next two years, but is a $5.4 million cap hit. The Oilers have no intentions of calling him up via re-entry waivers, they want to lose the entire salary.
Also, Chris Higgins has found a home with Florida at $1.6 million for this season.
Update 1:12pm: BREAKING RANGERS NEWS: Rangers are negotiating with the Twitter Fail Whale. Rumors are that the Rangers are looking to sign the whale, to solve scoring woes, to a contract of about $6.5 million per year for 5 years.
Update 2:05pm: Mark Eaton to the Islanders for 2 years, $2.5 million per.
Update 2:30pm: Islanders are busy today, closing in on Milan Jurcina and ex-Ranger P.A. Parenteau. Both are one year deals. Jurcina gets $1 million, Parenteau $600,000.
Update 3:10pm: Wow, the Islanders really are busy. They are closing in on Alex Frolov.
Update 3:50pm: Nothing on Frolov, but the Isles make their 4th signing of the day, inking Zenon Konopka. If you just asked yourself who Zenon Konopka is, you’re not alone.
Update: 4:00pm: Nikolai Kulemin gets his extension with Toronto, two years – $2.35 million. Al Montoya re-upps with Phoenix. Holy first round bust Batman!
Update: 4:30pm: Brandon Prust resigns with the Rangers. Details yet to be announced. 800k per for 2 years. Solid move.
Update: 4:45pm: Matthew Lombardi signs with Nashville for 3 years @ 3.5m per. 2 things here; 3.5m is a fair price and Nashville SPEND money? wow.
By Gary, July 2, 2010 @ 2:14 pm
who is fail whale?
By Dave, July 2, 2010 @ 2:16 pm
When you go on Twitter, and it’s overloaded, there’s a picture of a whale.
Gary Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 2:21 pm
o, so it is a joke?
Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Yes. Some Twitter folks will get it.
jurgenno88 Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 2:33 pm
i hate the whale. I hope he doesnt find a new club. Hope Parenteau does ok and sticks in the NHL. I liked him but there was no room at The Rangers Inn….
Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 2:46 pm
He deserves a legit shot, so good luck to him.
By jurgenno88, July 2, 2010 @ 3:05 pm
Frolov about to be an Isle. I can only hope its big money long term otherwise im annoyed.
Why is the Atlantic Div a magnet for free agency?
Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Frolov can get his money on LI, and the other teams, minus the Rangers, are good.
Hello last place in the Atlantic.
jurgenno88 Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:23 pm
ironically we’re looking like lottery pick in the weakest draft class in years (2011)
Dave Reply:
July 2nd, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Well, it’s too early to tell with the draft class, but generally there are a few studs at the top.
But this is the first time there hasn’t been a consensus #1 at this point in time.
By jurgenno88, July 2, 2010 @ 4:25 pm
Prust in the fold. good stuff
Dave Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Now just need to get Staal and Girardi in the mix.
By becky, July 2, 2010 @ 5:21 pm
LOL fail whale, doesn’t seem like a fast skater
Dave Reply:
July 3rd, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Faster than Brashear…