Free Agent Frenzy [Signings Thread]

[Stealth22]

LA KINGS BUSY ON JULY 1

TSN -- Los Angeles Kings called a press conference today, and opened up with the announcement that winger Viktor Stalberg did not accept the team's contract offer, and went to the open market as a UFA at midnight on July 1.

After being tight-lipped about their plans on Canada Day, the Kings GM then cracked a smile and revealed that the Los Angeles Kings signed both LW Milan Lucic and C Ryan Getzlaf to long term contracts.

Financial terms of the contracts were not disclosed, but sources have revealed to TSN that Lucic was signed to a 6 year contract worth $7.25M per season. Ryan Getzlaf was reportedly signed to a 5 year contract worth $8.5M per season.

Aside from Taylor Pyatt, Stalberg was the only player offered a contract by the Kings who decided to test the UFA market. The team re-signed forwards T.J. Galiardi and Patrik Berglund to new 2 and 3 year deals respectively, and starting goaltender Michal Neuvirth was signed to a 5 year contract.

Yes, I know I overpaid. I didn't have much of a choice though. There were more than several teams interested in young superstar players like Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn. I also lost Viktor Stalberg, as the greedy SOB didn't accept my offer, even though I was offering more than what he asked for.

Last year, I was looking to add another top six forward regardless, and losing one more was going to be way too much. I did not spend ALL the way to the cap, but I am relatively close. I actually wanted to get Getzlaf and Perry to play with Bobby Ryan, but I couldn't afford to sign both of them, and Lucic still has potential whereas Perry is maxed out.

The situation in front of me basically forced my hand. My team's on-ice performance last year was dismal, I had no 1st round pick this draft (had three 2nd round picks however), I was literally below the cap floor, and the players I needed were available. Aside from Stalberg, every player I wanted to sign or re-sign accepted the offer.

So yeah, there's my explanation for going out and signing two of the biggest fishes on the market. And now, my team is set for the upcoming season, from top to bottom.

[J-Rhombus]

Great! Now I can't wait to see if any of my offers signed with me!

Can someone take a look and see if NYR signed any free agents? haha... I doubt it, but I could certainly use some top talent and have the money and ice time to burn...

[Stealth22]

Originally Posted by J-Rhombus

Great! Now I can't wait to see if any of my offers signed with me!

Can someone take a look and see if NYR signed any free agents? haha... I doubt it, but I could certainly use some top talent and have the money and ice time to burn...

I can't see the news feed for other teams on the iPad app, just my own. Who were you looking to add though? I can check your roster and see if you got anyone. You can PM me the names if you want.

[J-Rhombus]

THanks for the offer! I'm headed home now though so I'm going to relish in the suspense on the way home and check when I get there!

[Stealth22]

Originally Posted by J-Rhombus

THanks for the offer! I'm headed home now though so I'm going to relish in the suspense on the way home and check when I get there!

Cool. Post em when you find out, if you got any!

[J-Rhombus]

Subban so far!

[zukes]

I got Michael Del Zotto

[zukes]

On the first page you can press R1 and cycle through the pages to see all of the league signings.

[ChuckieNZ]

I'm away this week so I can't see if I landed anyone. Would someone be so kind as to let me know if Pittsburgh signed anyone?

[zukes]

You got Benn, you #######, that was my #1 target.

[ChuckieNZ]

Yes!

[ChuckieNZ]

Who landed Stalberg?

[zukes]

Having lost out on #1 target Jamie Benn, the Avalanche turned to a familiar face, signing Simon Gagne to an 8 year deal at $5 million and change. The Avs also added depth by signing Alexei Ponikarovsky and Josh Bailey to fill out the bottom lines.

GM zukes says the Avs might be done, however noted they may have one more move up their sleeve for a veteran winger.....or a trade.

[Stealth22]

Originally Posted by ChuckieNZ

Who landed Stalberg?

And for how much? He wanted a 2 year deal, I offered him a 2 year deal. He wanted like...$2.3 or 2.4M per season. I offered him $2.7M. And he didn't take it.

I didn't realize at first that he rejected the offer, so I never got to logon to the PS3 to read his message before the next advance deleted it.

So I said, "Screw you Stalberg!", then went out and signed Getzlaf and Lucic.

[J-Rhombus]

It's times like this that I wish I had an iPhone... haha. I want to check that app! I'll look tonight!

[secol]

apparently NJD has signed Eric Johnson and Alex Edler

only problem is NJ id not expect to sign both, so one is being shopped. offered both guys the same $$$ and i guess they like licking each other's balls for ~6 mill >.>

[Iniggywetrust]

During the RFA stage Montreal pulled a Chicago circa 2012 and didn't qualify some of their RFA's, most notably, Tyler Seguin, and Keven Shattenkirk. Fortunately, during the first week of free agency, both players signed with the Canadiens. Along with returnee Nyquist, and big RW Blake Wheeler.

They also had a big gapping whole in net, left by N. Backstrom, that was filled quickly with Up and coming goalies Tukka Rask, and Leland Irving (who is rated at 81 for some reason).

[thymebalm]

After a busy month, Phoenix Coyotes new GM thymebalm has restructured the desert dogs after their near playoff berth last season. Since being hired just prior to last seasons trade deadline, the Coyotes GM managed to string together the wins and pull his team out of the Western Conference cellar. Unfortunately, it was not enough, and Phoenix was forced to endure a longer summer than any hockey team wishes for.

As part of the rebuild, veteran defender Rob Scuderi was let go, and marquee center John Toews and defender Mark Giordano were shipped off for rising stars Jamie McBain, Artem Anisimov and Logan Couture at last years trade deadline.

Most recently, thymebalm made a rather large dent in the Free Agent Market and Coyotes owners pockets when he secured backup tender Jacob Markstrom, defender Jakub Kindl, and forward Alexander Semin, Jan Mursak, and Brayden Schenn.

Another move made via trade saw last seasons starting goaltender and fan favorite LW Tyler Ennis moved for RW Nathan Horton.

TSN's Ryan Rishag interviewed thymebalm via conference call on his moves this off season;

"At the end of last season, I held exit meetings with all of my players, and the feeling was that the team was finally on the right track. This club is filled with passionate players, and the city of Glendale is filled with passionate fans. This year, we are giving the fans what they've been waiting for; a legitimate shot at the Stanley Cup playoffs. From there, anything can happen. There are always growing pains in this league, and one of those pains was losing our starting goaltender Cory Schneider. He was an amazing player for us last season, but I assessed a need for a legit 1st line RW and a change had to be made. Fortunately, I believe James Reimer is fully ready for the starting role, and we've brought Markstrom in to fill the backup position. The ownership group believes firmly in the direction we are headed and they've given me the green light to spend to the cap. Its been a busy off season, but there still time left before the puck drops and my club still has needs to be met, so I can tell you now- we aren't finished just yet.

Rumors are swirling that thymebalm has been calling GMs looking for a #3 Center and a 1st pairing Defender. For fans of the Phoenix Coyotes, its safe to say they have a lot to look forward to in the coming months.

[J-Rhombus]

Many thought Corey Perry was holding out to sign with a contender. The New York Rangers deluded themselves into thinking he viewed them as such and tabled a large offer, close to meeting his asking price and term. As it turns out, Corey Perry was interested in the payday and signed with the New York Rangers, who now have a first line that consists of Hagelin - Peverley - Perry. As many can see, Perry won't be able to effect much change with linemates like that, despite the New York fans' love of Hagelin. The Pev dispenser just can't be relied upon as a first line centre. Look to see the Rangers attempting to add at least once piece up front, if not two.

[Stealth22]

Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie


#LAKings have signed LW Eric Tangradi to a 2 year deal, $1.25M AAV. Kreider assigned to AHL.