More July 2nd NHL signings

Look for my rumor report to be posted later tonight or early morning.

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed defenseman Ron Hainsey to a five-years, $22.5 million contract.

The Ottawa Senators have signed forward Jarkko Ruutu to a three-year, $3.9 million contract.

The Sens also re-signed forward Shean Donovan to a two-year contract worth $1.25 million.

The New York Islanders have signed Doug Weight to a one-year, $1.75 million contract, with performance bonuses that could earn him up to $4 million.

The Isles have also signed goalie Yann Danis to a one-year contract.

The Colorado Avalanche re-signed forward Wojtek Wolski to a two-year contract extension.

The Calgary Flames have signed forward Curtis Glencross to a three-year, $3.2 million contract. The Flames also re-signed defenseman Jim Vandermeer to a three-year, $6.9 million contract. The Flames also signed Pete Vandermeer to a contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Stu Bickel to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Washinton Capitals have signed right wing Graham Mink and defenseman Tyler Sloan.

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed left wing Sean Curry to a two-year contract.

Demitra in Vancouver?

In an interview on Team 1040 radio in Vancouver, new Canucks GM Mike Gillis admitted he was aware that Minnesota Wild forward Pavol Demitra was in town and having a look around the city. Gillis did not divulge that he had contact with Demitra. Demitra is now an ex-client of the now ex-agent Gillis. Brochu's take: Expect a whole lot of Gillis' ex-clients to be rumored heading to Vancouver. Demitra might enjoy a new up-tempo system, if the Canucks do indeed change playing styles.

The Canucks also named Laurence Gilman as director of hockey administration.

The Edmonton version of the Metro News is reporting that impending free agent Curtis Glencross is seeking a $2 million contract from the Edmonton Oilers. Brochu's take: Lowe would be stupid to overpay a third-liner like that. If Glencross thinks he can make that much money in the NHL, he's dreaming. Source

The Florida Panthers have re-signed forwards Wade Belak and Kamil Kreps to two-year deals. The Panthers also agreed to terms with defenseman Luke Beaverson on an entry level contract. Brochu's take: Belak's found a home in Florida. Kreps should continue to improve on his stellar season. Source

The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with Finnish free agent goaltender Antti Niemi. For more on Niemi, check my previous post here.

The Calgary Herald reports sources that claim the Flames will re-sign defenseman Mark Giordano to a three-year, one-way contract (worth around $1 million a year) this summer. Giordano signed with Moscow Dynamo this past season because of contract troubles. Source

Tarnstrom traded for Glencross

The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded forward Curtis Glencross to the Edmonton Oilers for defenceman Dick Tarnstrom. Source