Madness begins: Hawks sign Hossa 12 years, Gaborik to NYR, Gionta/Madden leave NJ (UPDATED) | The Battle of New York :: A Tri-State Area Hockey Blog
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Madness begins: Hawks sign Hossa 12 years, Gaborik to NYR, Gionta/Madden leave NJ (UPDATED) thumbnail

Madness begins: Hawks sign Hossa 12 years, Gaborik to NYR, Gionta/Madden leave NJ (UPDATED)

July 1, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

We’re not anywhere near completion of Day 1 of what essentially is a hockey holiday. The July 1 free agent frenzy has begun with plenty of activity thus far.

The biggest story has been the Blackhawks getting the madness started by incredibly inking Marian Hossa to a 12-year, $62.8 million contract. Yes.  Really. 12 YEARS for Hossa, which means if he makes it to the end of the deal, he’ll be an old 42. Uh. What on earth convinced Dale Tallon to hand this playoff choker such an enormous deal? Sure. Hossa’s a tremendous talent but until he proves otherwise, I have my doubts.

The average isn’t bad with it totaling 5.2-per-season. That includes 59.3 million which was front-loaded over the first eight years which makes plenty of sense- meaning the Hawks will only have to pay 3.5 mill the last four years. I just can’t get over the magnitude of committing that many years to a 30 year-old. It’s Islander-esqe.

No doubt Hossa- who scored 40 goals which paced Detroit during the regular season- can help Chicago offensively. Though I’m still wondering why they didn’t just attempt to re-sign Hossa’s former Ottawa teammate Martin Havlat, who had a stronger postseason. He’s also a couple of years younger. If he’s not returning to the Windy City, someone will get a really good player.

Overshadowing the Hawks’ megadeal with Hossa was a calculated move adding another former Wing by agreeing to a multi-year deal worth $2.4 million with 27 year-old forward Tomas Kopecky. He’s a solid energy guy who should fit in well.

While the Blackhawks made the big splash, the day started with tremendous common sense and loyalty being shown with Daniel and Henrik Sedin coming down significantly from their demands to re-sign with the Canucks for identical five-year contracts worth $6.1 million a season. The twins have spent their entire careers there putting up nearly identical numbers. Double the pleasure indeed. It’s always nice to see loyalty shown at this insane time of year. Good for them.

Sticking with the loyalty theme though we’re sure not everyone in these parts will agree considering the player, Scott Niedermayer re-upped with Anaheim agreeing to a one-year $6 million contract. Wasn’t it like yesterday that the former Norris winner was thanking Lou Lamoriello at the podium before heading West to be closer to home and play with younger brother Rob Niedermayer, who’s rumored to be on the block? It’s just amazing how fast time goes. Well, at least one Niedermayer is staying put. The Ducks also yesterday re-signed forward Erik Christensen, who should be worth at least 2 or 3 shootout wins.

The insanity sure isn’t finished with the Lightning handing former Vancouver defenseman Mattias Ohlund a seven-year, $26.25 million deal. He’s a smooth skating D who can jump into the rush if needed. However, Ohlund also turns 33 before the season meaning he’ll be 40 if he makes it to the final year.

Uh. What the heck convinced GM Brian Lawton to give him seven years? He’s not a bad player and the average isn’t bad but why that length for a guy who sometimes misses games? Of course, the obvious is he’s Swedish like recently drafted countryman Victor Hedman. So, we get the logic of bringing in a vet who should be a steady influence on the big kid.

While Ohlund should bolster one of the worst bluelines in the league, can someone explain four years for Matt Greene? Okay. He’s servicable but so’s Paris Hilton.

Just happening was the Oilers agreeing to a four-year $15 million contract with goalie Nikolai Khabibulin. Reasonable for a team that needed to fill a gaping hole with vet Dwayne Roloson departing for the Islanders for two years. Also a wise move by Garth Snow considering how dependable Rick DiPietro is. At the very least, at least Steve Tambellini discovered someone who wants to play in Edmonton.

In other news, former Sabre defenseman Jaroslav Spacek crossed the border to Montreal inking a three-year, $11.5 million contract. A decent/normal move by teflon GM Bob Gainey. Earlier today, Buffalo got a solid replacement in the younger and more physical Steve Montador, who agreed to a multi-year contract worth a 1.55 million average per our very own Sabre blogger Brian. Not a bad move. They got a good character guy who also can shift up front if needed. And for a bargain.

Staying with the local theme, the Rangers added veteran goon Donald Brashear, giving the former Cap a two-year, $2.8 million contract. It’s no secret how I feel about Brash. So, no. I won’t be cheering because he’s a cheapshot artist as Blair Betts could attest. It is what it is. He’ll fill a role and is a better forechecker than former enforcer Colton Orr, who landed in Toronto for four years, $4 million with Brian Burke addressing team toughness. Best of luck to Orr, who developed into one of the better heavyweights here and did it in a classy fashion.

As expected, the Devils re-signed defenseman Johnny Oduya yesterday for that reported multi-year deal worth $3.1 million per. Today, Andy Greene re-upped for two years as well. He’ll be expected to be in the Devs’ top six unless former No.1 pick Matt Corrente proves ready. The Oduya signing was a must as he’s proven to be a steady puckmoving D with some offensive skill. And for a fair price.

Other players relocating:

Mike Knuble departs Philly for Washington getting two years, $5.6 million. And somewhere, Larry Brooks just threw darts at the Ranger logo treating it like John Tortorella.

Craig Anderson leaves the Sunshine state for the Rockie Mountains, meaning that common sense prevailed for the Avs.

Ty Conklin leaves the Motor City for St. Louis. Does this mean the Blues lose the Cup?

Erik Cole re-signed with the Candy Canes for a reasonable two years, $5.8 million. That could spell the end for Chad LaRose, who was a more effective player during Carolina’s run to the Conference Final. LaRose is 27 and could be a solid addition for some team but the versatile forward is also looking for a four-year deal.

In a pair of good moves, the Panthers re-signed Radek Dvorak and locked up Team USA hopeful David Booth for six years, $26.5 million. Solid since Booth, who paced the club with 31 goals will only get better.

The Flyers went back to the future bringing back Brian Boucher for two years via Spectors. They also added grinding agitator Ian Laperierre inking him to a three-year deal.

The Panthers replaced Anderson with former Devil 2008-09 unsung hero Scott Clemmensen, who lands on his feet for three years to backup Tomas Vokoun.

Another ex-Devil on the move is Mike Rupp, who goes to the Stanley Cup champion Pens. With Bill Guerin and Craig Adams also re-signed last night, Pitt will continue to have solid depth and grit up front.

Meanwhile, big defenseman Hal Gill left the Steel City for Montreal, inking a multi-year deal worth $4.5 million. Solid move there at least for Gainey as the physical Gill is added to Spacek, who can help a power play which struggled. That spells the end for Mike Komisarek, who’s drawing interest from Toronto, the Rangers, Vancouver and the Islanders according to close Program pal Chris Wassel via twitter. I expect the Isles to get him as he’s from Long Island and would be the kind of character guy they could use. Though he also might land on the IR.

Figure the Pens to step it up to re-sign the steady Rob Scuderi, who we believe would make a good addition almost anywhere.

Rumors are circulating that Mike Cammalleri could wind up in Montreal. I’ll be curious to see what he gets. Obviously, he’d team with newly acquired Scott Gomez. We’ll see if it happens. Official: Cam signs with Habs.

Maple Leafs sign Komisarek. Apparently they beat the Isles. Those Habs-Leafs games should be extra fun. Toronto wasn’t done beefing up dealing Pavel Kubina to Atlanta for Garnet Exelby and Colin Stewart with the rights of Tim Stapleton also headed the Thrasher way. Leafs got a lot tougher today with these additions plus Orr. Yikes. Speaking of which, the price for Komisarek: 5 yrs, $22.5 million plus a limited no-trade clause. Burke got suckered.

Now, Wassel says Maxim Afinogenov could be a Devil instead of departing for the KHL. I wonder what our bloggers think. A bad attempt at humor apparently. :lol: Bet lot of New Jersey folks are breathing a huge sigh of relief. I wouldn’t take that clown if he offered to play for nothing.

According to Stan Fischler’s twitter, he was informed the Devs nearly signed Derek Morris, then perhaps they’re not done with the blueline. I wish it were true cause that would drive Chris nuts. :-D

More recent signings:

The Blue Jackets agree to a three-year deal worth $7.95 million with Sami Pahlsson. Was reading some negative feedback over at NHL Arena but he’s a very solid checking center and the cost was reasonable. Manny Malhotra should get more. Do the Devils give him a call as a possible John Madden replacement? That would be a wise move.

Columbus also inked Mathieu Garon to a two-year deal. Guess he’ll backup Steve Mason.

Nashville re-signs Steve Sullivan for two years, $7.5 million. No surprise here as the club where he had his most success remained loyal, patiently waiting for him to return from injury. Sully’s popular in Music City and a nice fit. Good for him.

The Bruins re-sign Byron Bitz to a multi-year contract. He’s a tough guy who also can play a little bit. Look for him to have a little more role next season.

BREAKING NEWS: The Rangers land big free agent Marian Gaborik signing the former Wild star forward to a five-year deal worth $5.75 million-per-season. Well, this seems like a fair price and a hell of a lot more logical than the rumored 10 years, 75 mill he wanted. Cancel that. TSN’s Darren Dreger corrected the figure via twitter indicating it’s five years worth an average of $7.75 million. So, that totals $37.5 mill for the duration of the contract. When I saw the original price, I thought it was a little low for a player of Gaborik’s talent. Now, it’s a little bit steep but expected.

When healthy, the guy is one of the elite scorers in the game. That will be the key. I probably would’ve gone more short-term like three years with incentives. But when you look at Hossa getting 12 years along with some of the other contracts including a preposterous seven years for Ohlund, this looks really good by comparison. And unlike Scott Gomez or Chris Drury and most notably the Tinman, Wade Redden, Gaborik should produce as long as he’s injury free. He’s 27 and right in his prime. God. I wish it was more incentive-laden based on games and production. At least it’s only five years.

Finally, the Blueshirts have a talented wing who will score the big goals and not disappear on the ice like Russian enigma Nikolai Zherdev. I am very relieved that Slats didn’t go for Heatley, who might finally realize how foolish he’s been and accept the trade to Edmonton.

That covers it all for now. The Rangers are supposedly also interested in Chris Neil but we’re left perplexed. Why the heck did they sign Brashear? Plus Neil will probably become injury prone if last season was any indication. They should just promote from within with Dane Byers and Brodie Dupont, who each should compete for a spot on the fourth line with recently acquired Brian Boyle.

UPDATE: The Rangers were still very much in play for Neil but he just re-signed taking less to remain with Ottawa. Scary but they offered him four years at a 2.3 average. What the heck for? And where is the money coming from? They still have to bump up Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan while also getting Lauri Korpikoski re-signed and Corey Potter. I’ll never understand Slats. Thank God Neil, who’s 30 and was coming off an injury plagues year in which he posted a career low 10 points stayed with the Sens.

As for Hasan indicating in our morning entry in the comments section that the Rangers offered Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan, Michael Del Zotto and a No.1 pick for Benedict Arnold Dany Heatley, I don’t have anything to say. I’ll just hold my collective breath.

UPDATE: I guess I don’t have to worry anymore about this silly rumor. Thank God!

It appears Brian Gionta’s New Jersey days are over as Dreger reports via RDA that the former Devils season season goalscoring record holder is set to sign with the Habs for five years, $25 million. It’s now official. Gionta has left for Montreal and will re-team up with Gomez and probably Cammalleri. Well, I kinda felt the Canadiens would be in play once Gomer was moved there based on his chemistry with Gio. Now, they’ll be reunited. So, that will be interesting to watch. Especially for Dev fans who saw them work wonders here helping the team win two Cups with Gio only getting to be part of the 2002-03 team of destiny.

I always respected Gionta even if he sometimes hacked way too much in front. But when you’re his size, you gotta compete like another guy who passed through I-95, Pat Verbeek. Best of luck to him.

UPDATE: The Oilers won’t give up as they’re trying to convince Heatley to accept the deal. I give them a ton of credit. But why sell someone who doesn’t want to play there? He’s an ingrate!

Freddy Sjostrom has found a new home. The Swedish forward who was part of the top rated penalty kill has agreed to sign with the Flames. In his couple of years spent here, he was a solid energy guy who worked well with Blair Betts- also an Alberta native who was originally drafted by Calgary before coming here. Might there be a reunion or does Bettsie wind up with Tom Renney in Edmonton? Gotta figure it’s one or the other. Best of luck to Sjostrom.

Official: John Madden departs New Jersey for Chicago, agreeing to a one-year, $2.75 million deal. What a find he turned out to be for Lou Lamoriello and the Devils. Signed as a free agent, the former Michigan product proved his legendary college coach Red Berenson wrong by going onto become an integral part of the Devils, helping them win two Cups including a tremendous 2002-03 season in which he successfully replaced traitor Bobby Holik, posting career stats while also having a great postseason teaming with Jamie Langenbrunner and Jay Pandolfo to shutdown opposing scoring lines. More amazingly, they scored big goals during that run.

Appropriately nicknamed Mad Dog, he won a Selke and posted 140 goals and 157 assists for 297 points along with a solid plus-35. The guy combined with Pandolfo to be constant shorthanded threats until the past couple of years when they slowed down. Now at age 36 following a down season, one of those gritty Devil warriors that became a symbol of a franchise that continued to have success despite losing key parts leaves for the Windy City to try to provide the same kind of leadership and experience to a young, talented Chicago club. As someone who once was employed for the Devil production truck, I can attest how classy Mr. Madden was. A guy who would always say hello and treat you like he knew you. Wishing the very classy man lots of luck.

One more big fish gets scooped up as Martin Havlat leaves the Windy City for Minnesota, reaching a verbal agreement per TSN. I’ll post the details when they come. Great move for the Wild as they get a proven scorer who’s basically the same age to replace Gaborik. Hopefully, he stays healthy like he did last year. Here are the terms: 6 yrs, $30 M. That’s what you call sensible. Paging Sather, Gainey and Tallon!

With the clock ticking, Oiler brass are meeting with Heatley per Dreger. Will the baby finally come to his senses?

UPDATE: Apparently not. Darren Dreger posted on his Twitter that it was too much Heat. When the clock strikes midnight, the Sens will be royally screwed over on the hook for four million. Nice class Dany!

That wraps up Day One. Crazy stuff for sure. See ya later!

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readers comments
  1. Hasan on July 1st, 2009 4:57 pm

    I guess no news is good news vis-a-vis Heatley for you at least if that’s the offer…I think it was from sportsnet but don’t really remember which site had that rumor, just saw it posted on a message board.

    Boy I didn’t realize Montreal had that much cap room. Gomez, Cammaleri, Spacek and Gill? Geez.

    I’ve never been a Morris fan but our offense from the blueline is so pathetic he’d actually be an upgrade. Plus I think he’s a right-handed shot which could help.

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  2. Madness begins: Hawks sign Hossa 12 years | The Battle of New York … « AP News Syndication on July 1st, 2009 5:10 pm

    [...] Read more:  Madness begins: Hawks sign Hossa 12 years | The Battle of New York … [...]

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  3. Madness begins: Hawks sign Hossa 12 years (UPDATED) on July 1st, 2009 5:32 pm

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  4. Madness begins: Hawks sign Hossa 12 years, Gaborik to NYR, Gionta/Madden leave NJ (UPDATED) on July 1st, 2009 10:34 pm

    [...] be an old 42. Uh. What on earth convinced Dale Tallon to hand this playoff choker such an enormous click for more var _wh = ((document.location.protocol==’https:’) ? “https://sec1.woopra.com” : [...]

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