Zherdev to NY, Hossa, Malkin, Avery signed

The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche to the New York Rangers for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman. Brochu's take: Zherdev and Fritsche had been on the block for some time, and rumors of a Columbus/NY trade have been percolating for a year now.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed Marian Hossa to a one-year, $7.45 million contract. Brochu's take: The NHLPA is not going to like this one, but Hossa wants to win the cup. So get ready for the Hossa sweepstakes in 2009.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially signed Evgeni Malkin to a five-year deal worth $8.7 million a year.

The Pens have also signed defenseman Brooks Orpik to a six-year, $22.5 million contract extension.

The Dallas Stars have signed forward Sean Avery to a four-year, $15.5 million contract, with a limited no-movement clause.

The Stars also signed restricted free agent forward B.J. Crombeen to a one-year deal.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed restricted free agent defenceman Joni Pitkanen to a three-year contract worth $12 million.

The 'Canes have also signed defenceman Josef Melichar to a one-year contract worth $1 million.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed defenceman Janne Niskala to a one-year deal.

The Bolts have also re-signed forward Ryan Craig to a two-year contract worth $1.575-million.