The Puck Stops Here

My last free agent post was almost two weeks ago. Teams started to evaluate their own talent instead of making moves to sign new talent. Now that the season is almost here, it is time to sign the people who won contracts and make a few minor trades to finalize rosters.

Yanic Perreault leaves Montreal to sign in Nashville. TSN's story is here. Perreault will be a useful utility forward in Nashville, who should take his share of faceoffs.

Gilbert Brule signed an entry level contract with Columbus. TSN's story is here.

Ken Belanger resigned with Los Angeles. TSN's story is here.

As I mentioned in this post about Guillaume Latendresse, Montreal traded Marcel Hossa to the New York Rangers for Garth Murray. This trade is a win for the Rangers as Hossa is the better player and may play on the 3rd or possibly even 2nd line. Presumably, the trade was made because Montreal had too many bodies trying to make their team and were worried about losing one on waivers and Garth Murray could be sent to the minors without waivers. Murray may play a role with Montreal, but he is more likely to remain in the minors most of this season.

Carolina signed Andrew Ladd to an entry level contract. TSN's story is here.

There may be a few more final signings before the season opens up.