NHL: Hornqvist re-signs with the Predators, News, and Rumors

The Nashville Predators re-signed the 30 goal scorer Patric Hornqvist. Hornqvist received a 3 year contract for 9.25 million. Hornqvist who was the last draft pick in the 2005 draft surprised many with his 30 goal season in the 2009-2010 season. Nashville hasn’t had much hope for a young player since Alexander Radulov.

Signings

D Niklas Grossman signs with the Dallas Stars (2 years, 3.25M)

D Willie Mitchell signs with the Los Angeles Kings (2 years, 3.5M)

F Steve Downie re-signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning (2 years, 3.7M)

D Randy Jones signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning (1 year, TBA)

F Raffi Torres signs with the Vancouver Canucks (1 year, 1M)

D Aaron Ward retires from the NHL. Ward finished his career playing 13 seasons, 3 time Stanley Cup winner, and finished up with 151 points.

F Fernando Pisani signs with the Chicago Blackhawks (1 year, 500,000)

F Bryan Little re-signs with the Atlanta Thrashers (3 years, 7.15M)

F Aaron Asham signs with the Pittsburgh Penguins (1 year, 700,000)

D Freddy Meyer signs with the Atlanta Thrashers (1 year, 500,000)

F Andrew Peters signs with the Florida Panthers (1 year, TBA)

F Ben Guite signs with the Columbus Blue Jackets (1 year, TBA)

F Sean Bergenheim signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning (1 year, TBA)

News and Rumors

The Pittsburgh Penguins will not bring back Bill Guerin. Guerin scored 21 goals last season. Guerin also had 4 goals and 5 assist in the playoffs.

The New Jersey Devils have been given a 2 day deadline to re-negotiate the voided deal before Kovalchuk will look elsewhere. KHL could still be in the running especially if the Devils fail to make a deal.

The Vancouver Canucks have put D Kevin Bieksa on the trade block. The Anaheim Ducks, and the San Jose Sharks could be the top landing spot.

C Ryan Johnson is being targeted by the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Los Angeles Kings.

F Lee Stempniak who is currently one of the top free agents is being rumored to several teams including his old team the Phoenix Coyotes, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders and Atlanta Thrashers

G Antti Niemi options are very slim. Some teams that could go after Niemi that seems logical could be the Sharks or the Islanders. Niemi could also find himself without a job or possible in Europe.

The San Jose Sharks do not intend to sign Owen Nolan, who is a fan favorite for his time there.

F/D Dustin Byfuglien could possible be playing defense and forward this year for the Atlanta Thrashers. Byfuglien is one of the few versatile players in the league that can play both offense and defense.