In the Campbell Conference’s Norris Division, here’s a quick breakdown.
Detroit: The Red Wings lost both Todd Bertuzzi and Mathieu Schneider to Cup champions Anaheim, but they picked up Brian Rafalski to fill their defensive void and resigned ironman Chris Chelios to a one-year deal while also retaining forward Jiri Hudler. Now the Wings are seeking a veteran forward to make up for Bertuzzi’s exit to the coast.
The biggest crux for the Wings was shoring up Hasek, who’s negotiations had reportedly become difficult, but it was disclosed yesterday that a one-year agreement was made for an as yet undisclosed amount. When Kiprusoff goes on the market next summer, you better believe Ken Holland will have his checkbook open. Chicago: Captain Adrian Aucoin was shipped to Calgary June 21 for Andrei Zyuzin and Steve Marr, and the Blackhawks have only signed one of their UFAs, goaltender Patrick Lalime. They picked up Robert Lang from Detroit on a two-year deal, but the Hawks have a long way to go if they’re ever to return to their championship form of 46 years ago.
St. Louis: The Blues had a field day at the draft and they’ve made some more maneuvers to bring them back into the playoff fold.
They re-acquired Keith Tkachuk and then resigned him to a two-year pact, but the biggest signing for the once perennial post-season club is Paul Kariya, who took $18M for three years in the Show Me State.
Nashville: So much drama has surrounded the club since Craig Leipold put them up for sale, after which a fire sale took place. The Preds have had their sabreteeth pulled out and won’t likely make a strong showing this coming season. Peter Forsberg is still up for grabs and it’s highly unlikely he’ll be back in Music City in the fall.
Columbus: Could this club quietly be assembling a contender for at least the playoffs? They’ve yet to make the post-season in their history, but since MacLean’s ouster as GM and Ken Hitchcock’s appointment as coach, things have been looking up for the Blue Jackets.
They haven’t netted any big names this free agency, but they’re building something and this season’s performance will be a good barometer of whether they can keep Rick Nash in town.
