Tuesday Links (6/30)- Because There Is No Off-Season In Hockey

by Carlos Figueiredo

We’ve reached the point in the NHL off-season that can make or break any teams’ hopes for the coming season. If your team just barely failed to make the playoffs, a big name free agent would do wonders for your hopes that next year is their year. On the other hand, If your team doesn’t lock up that big name free agent and he signs with a rival, you will be stuck watching him play all season long against your guys. Even the most seemingly insignificant signing can be the last piece of the puzzle for your team.

So….let’s get right to some FA related links: 

 
- In a shocking story that came out of nowhere, the New Jersey Devils announced today that they have re-signed Johnny Oduya. Did NOT see that one coming! </sarcasm>

- This story on TSN.ca has a few interesting tidbits (yeah, I used the word tidbits). Two of the most interesting ones: 1) The two teams that are still the most interested in Dany Heatley, and can possibly afford him, are the Rangers and the Oilers. 2) While Scott Niedermayer has said he will play next year, he did not confirm that it will be with the Ducks.

- Also from TSN.ca: Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis has left the twins’ home country of Sweden after speaking to them in person. Sources tell TSN that the brothers are with their agents JP Barry and Claes Elefalk in Stockholm discussing the team’s offer to extend the twins’ contracts. 

- There have been some signing of players who were set to become free agents, including Bill Guerin and Rob Blake. I will be posting another blog shortly where you can all follow all the signings that occur in the next few hours and days.

- Some non-free agent related news: There were 34 players selected to participate with the Team USA Olympic hockey orientation camp in August. Among them were Devils Zach Parise, Jamie Langenbrunner and Paul Martin.

Tags: Dany Heatley, Jamie Langenbrunner, Johnny Oduya, New Jersey Devils, Paul Martin, Scott Niedermayer, Sedin Twins, Zach Parise