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Hossa signs with Red Wings

Less than a month since he faced off against the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals, Marian Hossa has a signed a 1 year deal to play for Detroit.

The $7.4 million that Hossa will earn next season, is the most Detroit would pay anyone - even an unrestricted free agent. The Red Wings were insistent that no one earn more money than six-time Norris Trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom.

The 6-foot-1 winger scored 29 goals and 66 points in 72 games split between the Atlanta Thrahsers and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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NHL

Senators after Konopka?

Michael Sharp found this piece of news from the Ottawa Sun hockey blog

Compared to how busy other teams were, the Senators had a very quiet July 1.  One of the less glamorous deals they’re working on, however, is an attempt to sign ex-67’s captain Zenon Konopka.  He’s looking for a one way contract and there may be a team that will give it to him. The Senators could do a lot worse than the former Anaheim Duck and Columbus Blue Jacket.
The knock on Konopka is still his skating, although he has made some modest improvements in that area.

What he would give the Senators is toughness, a good faceoff man/penalty killer, and plenty of character.  If I were them, I’d look at moving Dean McAmmond to the wing and giving Konopka a shot at the fourth line centre’s job.  In trading Brian McGrattan, Murray said he wanted a fighter that could play.  Konopka can.

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He could also be signed cheaply, something the Sens are looking to do with several UFAs that need to be signed.

AHL

Yablonski signs 2 year deal with Binghamton

The Binghamton Senators locked up their enforcer for 2 years and provided Ottawa with a possible replacement for departed Brian McGratton.

Yablonski, 28, said he and Ottawa officials closed in on a deal “over the last couple days,” and he said the fact the big club traded enforcer Brian McGrattan to Phoenix last Wednesday was a factor in his decision to return.

“With Grattsy gone, hopefully I’ll get a chance, even if they’ve got to call me up here and there, just to step in and do the job,” said Yablonski, explaining he felt better suited as a heavyweight than a player like a Neil.

“He can fight the big guys. It’s nothing against Neil; he’s a tough guy. But he’s not a guy that can go night after night and fight the big boys like Grattsy or like myself.”

To that end, Yablonski has stayed sharp this summer in the fighting department. A week ago Saturday, in Boise, Idaho, he captured the Championship Cage Fighting series’ heavyweight title, winning his fight by knockout in less than 90 seconds.

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I find it promising that Binghamton and Ottawa are signing fan favorites to multi-year deals.  We now know we will have a core of Hamel, Yabo, Matt Carkner, and Greg Mauldin for 2 years.  With a couple more quality free agents and talented prospects, this team might make it to the playoffs again.

Local

Summer Mite Practices

For any Mite players looking for extra ice time this summer, there are hockey practices being held every Sunday at 9:30am at Chenango Ice Rink.  The practices are $5 each, pay as you go.  The skill level is geared towards Dynomite players or Minimites moving up to Dyno in the Fall.