NHL free agent signings for July 11, 2008

Sorry about the delay, there will be another post later today focused on the KHL (Russian) rumors that have been around lately.

The Minnesota Wild have traded defenseman Shawn Belle to the Montreal Canadiens for forward Corey Locke.

The Wild have also signed forward Krys Kolanos to a contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have signed defenseman Brennan Evans to a two-year contract and defenseman Steve Montador to a one-year contract.

According to RDS.ca, the Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed Vincent Lecavalier to a 11 year, $85M contract extension.

The Bolts also announced the resignation of executive vice president and general manager Jay Feaster. He has come to terms with the owners, as Feaster had 3 years left on his contract. Brochu's take: Everyone saw this coming when most of the deals were announced by Koules, Barrie or Lawton. It won't take him long to find a job though, as he is well respected member in the old boys club.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed forward Chris Gratton to a one-year contract.

The Ottawa Senators have signed goaltender Mitchell O'Keefe and defenseman Brendan Bell to one-year contracts.

The Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Jason Krog to a one-year deal.

The Washington Capitals have signed RFA forward Boyd Gordon to a one-year contract.

The St. Louis Blues have signed defenseman Andy Wozniewski to a contract.

Schremp, Parenteau to play in Sweden?

According to a Swedish source, Edmonton Oilers prospect Rob Schremp is rumored to play in Sweden next year. The Malmo Redhawks of the Swedish Elite League has apparently offered Schremp a contract for next year, somewhere in the 170, 000 Kronor a week (approximately US $28, 500). Brochu's take: Something tells me that this could be the work of Schremp's agent, who's seen his client overpassed by several other young Oiler prospects. There may be room for Schremp on the Oilers' roster next season, but if he doesn't make it, I don't think he will be satisfied playing in the AHL for another year. Source

The same source is saying the Redhawks have also offered a contract to New York Rangers prospect Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau. Brochu's take: Parenteau is having a great season with the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack, scoring 31 goals and 42 assists in 68 games. This rumor may be a bargaining chip to remind the Rangers that he's there.

The Edmonton Oilers also have signed University of Alberta Golden Bears defenceman Harlan Anderson to an AHL amateur try-out contract. The Alberta team captain will join the Springfield Falcons this week. Source

The San Jose Sharks have signed forward Matt Jones to a two-way, entry-level contract. Jones just finished his second season with Merrimack College.

The Detroit Red Wings have signed Ferris State University goalie Mitch O'Keefe to an AHL try-out contract.