Keith Aucoin signs 2 year deal with Caps
July 3, 2008
Former BC Icemen, Keither Aucoin, has a signed a 2 year deal with the Washington Capitals after playing the last 3 years in the Hurricans system.
Arlington, VA (Sports Network) - The Washington Capitals signed center Keith Aucoin to a two-year contract, the team announced on Thursday. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.
Aucoin, 29, split last season between the Carolina Hurricanes and Albany of the American Hockey League. In 38 games at the NHL level, Aucoin tallied five goals and eight assists.
The 5-foot-9, 187-pound center has played in 53 games over parts of three seasons with Carolina, posting five goals and 10 assists.
Aucoin has played 7 years in the AHL and NHL since his pro debut in Binghamton. He has 5 goals and 10 assist in 53 NHL games. In 435 career AHL games he has scored 134 goals and 299 assists for 433 points.
Vandermeers reunited in Calgary
July 2, 2008
Former BC Icemen Pete Vandermeer and his brother Jim have both signed with the Calgary Flames. The brothers last played together for the Philadelphia Phantoms, the Flyers AHL farm team. No word on whether Pete actually landed an NHL contract or if it is a 2 way deal.
Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter announced Wednesday the re-signing of defencemen Jim Vandermeer, the signing of forward Peter Vandermeer and the signing of Curtis Glencross.
“Jim is a young defenceman who fits in very well with our group and brings us the element of toughness that is important for our team,” said Sutter. “He is clearly a player who plays in our top six. Jim gives us five defencemen still on the up swing and we know we have them for the next 3-5 years.”
Senators after Konopka?
July 2, 2008
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.
He could also be signed cheaply, something the Sens are looking to do with several UFAs that need to be signed.
Rangers sign Wade Redden
July 2, 2008
The New York Rangers added someone to quarterback their power play, signing defenseman Wade Redd to a 6 year contract.
New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent defenseman Wade Redden.
Redden, 31, is a two-time NHL All-Star (2002 and 2004) and former NHL plus/minus award winner (2006, tie). A Gold Medalist at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, he was named Best Defensemen of the tournament by the Directorate at the 2005 IIHF World Championships.
Redden is coming off a lackluster season where he scored only 38 points for the Ottawa Senators. While a change of scenery might be what he needs, time will tell if he can handle the increased pressure of playing in NY. The Rangers still have several holes to fill on their front line with Jagr and Straka considering offers to play overseas.
Hossa signs with Red Wings
July 2, 2008
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.
Bobby Robins signs with Belfast
July 2, 2008
Former Binghamton Senator and Elmira Jackal, Bobby Robins has signed with the Belfast Giants.
Monday, June 23rd, 2008 - The Coors Belfast Giants are delighted to announce the double signing of former college teammates Bobby Robins and Andrew Martin for the 2008-09 ice hockey season. Both players played under Steve Thornton’s former college coach, Blaise Macdonald, at University of Massachusetts-Lowell and came with glowing references. They have both made smooth transitions to pro hockey and are excited to start their European careers with the Coors Belfast Giants.
Bobby Robins spent last season with the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL where he produced 35 points and 151 penalty minutes in 68 games. He comes to Belfast with over 100 games of AHL experience in the last 2 and-a-half years.
Yablonski signs 2 year deal with Binghamton
July 1, 2008
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.
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.
