Latest NHL Signings XXI

The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded forward Radim Vrbata to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for forward Todd Fedoruk and defenseman David Hale. Brochu's take: Vrbata goes back to where he has played his best hockey. But the more interesting question is that now all the other 29 NHL teams are paying for his salary.

The Atlanta Thrashers have re-signed defenseman Boris Valabik. Terms were not disclosed.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed goalie Brent Johnson to a 1-year, $525,000 contract.

The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed forward Tomas Plekanec to a 1-year, $2.75 million. Brochu's take: Don't be surprised if Plekanec gets traded this year, as his name has been in the rumor mill often.

The New York Rangers have re-signed forward Enver Lisin to a 1-year, $800,000 contract.

The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed defenseman Denis Grebeshkov to a 1-year, $3.15 million contract.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed 2009 NHL Entry Draft 1st round pick John Moore to a 3-year, entry-level contract. The BJs have also signed defenseman Marc Methot to a two-year, $2 million deal and forward Michael Blunden to a one-year, two-way contract.

Sather as new Leafs GM?

Marty York of Metro News is reporting rumors that New York Rangers GM Glen Sather could be the new president and GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. NHL sources are saying that Sather has already been interviewed more than once for the job, and there is mutual interest from both sides. Brochu's take: Richard Peddie has said that he has not interviewed anyone, and are said to be waiting until teams are eliminated from the playoffs to talk to potential GMs. Source

Sources are saying that Jacques Martin may not accept Florida Panthers owner Alan Cohen's offer of the GM job.

The Edmonton Oilers have signed defenseman Denis Grebeshkov to a one-year contract extension. Rumours are that the deal is worth $1.5 million.

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed 2008 Hobey Baker Award winner Kevin Porter to a three-year, entry-level contract. Porter, 22, completed his senior year at the University of Michigan this season. The Coyotes also signed fellow Michigan Wolverine forward Chad Kolarik to an entry-level contract. Brochu's take: The Coyotes are assembling quite a dynamic youth core. Porter should be a contender for the Calder trophy next season, along with fellow collegiate Kyle Turris. Source

The Nashville Predators have signed forward Mark Santorelli and goaltender Mark Dekanich to entry-level contracts. Santorelli was the leading scorer of the WHL this season, scoring 27 goals and 101 points with the Chilliwack Bruins. Dekanich just completed his fourth season with Colgate University.

The Buffalo Sabres have officially signed University of Denver defenseman Chris Butler to a three-year, entry-level contract.