NHL Players

Free Agency Jonas Gustavsson has decided to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the fact that Brian Burke came overseas to talk to him a couple times clearly didn't hurt. His numbers from Sweden sure are impressive. So, with this signing, are the Leafs thinking playoffs? Even though the Stars did not land Gustavsson, new GM Joe Nieuwendyk felt that effort was worthwhile. To make up for not signing Gustavsson, the Stars did sign Jeff Woywitka on Tuesday to a two-year deal. (Writer's note: Woywitka is obviously not going to turn into the defenseman many thought he would, but this signing is very low-risk for Dallas. I think it is a worthwhile move.) Todd Marchant and the Anaheim Ducks have agreed on a two-year contract. The Flames have re-signed Jamie Lundmark and have also signed Jason Jaffray to a two-way, two-year deal. Atlanta has signed Joey Crabb and Nathan Oystrick to new deals. Like the Thrashers, the Red Wings also made some depth signings on Tuesday. Staying in the Southeast Division, the Lightning signed former Wild forward Stephane Veilleux to a one-year pact. Boston has signed goaltender Dany Sabourin to a one-year contract. Joe Sakic Retirement Eric Duhatschek writes about the incredible career of Joe Sakic as only he can. As Adrian Dater of the Denver Post writes, you know you are good when top flight NHL players always wanted to be like you. Dater says what made Sakic so likeable was not just his tremendous talent but his humbleness that went with that. You hear the term clutch tossed around an awful lot, but that term was fitting for Burnaby Joe. For a guy that many people in Denver didn't know before 1995/96, Joe Sakic made quite an impression on the City of Denver, opines Woody Paige. Sakic's former Avalanche teammates obviously have only the best things to say about one of the all-time greats. If people didn't know, Joe Sakic was always that good. Terry Frei provides readers with a timeline of Sakic's illustrious career. Development Camps Due to archaic NCAA rules, Jordan Schroeder had to borrow money from his dad to pay for his way to Vancouver for the team's prospect development camp. Bruins prospect Zach Hamill is considered a veteran in some circles, writes Fluto Shinzawa. Remaining in Boston, big Bruins prospect Joe Colborne has already put on considerable bulk since he was drafted last summer. Sabres prospect Chris Butler eventually wants to be the team's power play quarterback. In Chicago, prospect Kyle Beach is hoping to prove to the Hawks brass that he has begun his maturation process. Having Ray Ferraro as his dad has certainly not hurt Landon Ferraro's development as a professional. Big-time surgery before you are a professional is not the easiest thing, just ask Oilers prospect Jordan Bendfeld. Wild prospect Petr Kalus did not suit up yesterday at camp because he was sick. Forget the distractions, the Coyotes prospects are looking forward to the team's development camp this week. Habs first round pick Louis Leblanc was not alone on the ice with the other Habs prospects, as former teammate Danny Kristo was there to join him. Remember Garth Butcher? Now read about his son, a Canucks prospect. Ryan Ellis may be very short, but he does not lack talent, writes John Glennon. Everything Else The Florida Panthers have reduced their season ticket prices in almost all categories. The Flyers wasted little time getting Chris Pronger's name on a long-term contract, explains Sam Carchidi. Meantime, who needs to give Chris Pronger attention when you also acquired Ryan Dingle? Alexei Kovalev says that, while people may have a different perception, he is always trying his hardest. Senators fans will like Kovalev more after hearing what he thinks his new team is capable of. John Tavares is scheduled to be unveiled to the Islanders faithful today, explains Greg Logan. Even with Maxime Talbot's injured shoulder, Ray Shero doesn't anticipate adding any significant forwards before the season begins. The good news was that Talbot's surgery was successful. For those pining for the Predators' pre-season schedule in early July, click here. The Nashville schedule looks simple compared to Tampa Bay's. The Blue Jackets have named their new radio voice for next season.

NHL Morning Papers (Wednesday Edition): Jonas Gustavsson is the talk of the town, Alexei Kovalev has big hopes for the Senators and Joe Sakic officially retires today

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