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Content provided by Rotoworld Player News - Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

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Brett MacLean suffers "cardiac emergency" 07-03-2012
Leland Irving G CAL
Coyotes' winger Brett MacLean reportedly suffered a cardiac emergency while playing hockey in Owen Sound, Ontario on Monday night. Phoenix GM Don Maloney issued a statement indicating that "Brett received CPR on site and was taken to a local hospital by ambulance where he was treated." Maloney went on to say that MacLean was later admitted to the cardiac ICU at Knight University Hospital in London, Ontario after being transferred there by air ambulance. Our thoughts and prayers are with MacLean and his family.
Rangers snatch Taylor Pyatt for two years 07-03-2012
Taylor Pyatt LW NYR
The New York Rangers added a physical, versatile forward in Taylor Pyatt with a two-year contract.

Darren Dreger 		Darren Dreger reports that his cap hit is $1.55 million, making it a $3.1 million deal overall. Pyatt is the type of physical specimen who bothers some because he doesn't quite "put it all together," but he could fit in very well in John Tortorella's demanding, physical system.
Stars sign Jaromir Jagr to one-year contract 07-03-2012
Jaromir Jagr RW BOS
In something of a surprise, the Dallas Stars have reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr.

Pierre LeBrun 		Pierre LeBrun reports that the contract is worth $4.5 million. This continues an impressive, mostly short-term overall of the Stars this off-season. Ray Whitney signed a similar deal (with one extra year) and traded for Derek Roy to bolster their forward corps. Jagr scored 19 goals and 54 points in 73 regular season games with the Philadelphia Flyers last season.
Avalanche add Bill Thomas 07-03-2012
Bill Thomas RW FLA
The Colorado Avalanche signed forward Bill Thomas to a one-year, two-way deal.

Mile High Hockey 		Thomas is a guy most likely to fill out the team's minor league ranks, but he does have some experience at the NHL level. In 80 career NHL games, the 29-year-old forward has 15 goals and 12 assists for 27 points.
Ryan Suter won't make decision on Tuesday 07-03-2012
Ryan Suter D MIN
Nashville Predators unrestricted free agent defenseman Ryan Suter won't make his announcement today, according to his agent Neil Sheehy.

Kevin Allen 		It brings up the interesting possibility that the NHL's two big free agent targets might make their announcements - and thus open the flood gates - on the Fourth of July. Either way, Suter is taking his time, much like Zach Parise.
Matt Frattin might not be ready for camp 07-03-2012
Tomas Vincour C COL
Matt Frattin told Jonas Siegel that he might not be ready for Toronto Maple Leafs training camp.

Jonas Siegel 		Frattin is recovering from a knee injury that required surgery. Frattin has had his occasional swings at the NHL level and recently signed a two-year contract with Toronto, so it's likely he'll at least get a shot with the big club - eventually.
Red Wings might go after Shane Doan 07-03-2012
Shane Doan RW PHO
The Detroit Free Press reports that the Detroit Red Wings could have some interest in unrestricted free agent Shane Doan.

Helene St. James 		Helene St. James passes along word that if the Red Wings can't land Zach Parise, they'll turn their sights on Doan. Even after adding some grit in Jordin Tootoo, the Red Wings aren't the "toughest team to play against" - at least in the most physical terms. Getting a hard-hitting forward who can also score like Doan would add another dimension to their already-impressive attack.
Senators add minor league depth with Jessiman 07-03-2012
Hugh Jessiman RW FLA
The Ottawa Senators signed big forward Hugh Jessiman to a two-way contract.

Ottawa Senators 		Jessiman is best remembered as a first-round bust for the New York Rangers, but he's at least managed to get the occasional cup of coffee at the NHL level. Don't expect him to justify his place in the draft anytime soon - or ever - though.
Senators sign Rob Klinkhammer 07-03-2012
Josef Boumedienne D TOR
The Phoenix Coyotes signed forward Rob Klinkhammer to a one-year, two-way contract.

Phoenix Coyotes 		Klinkhammer appeared in 15 NHL games for the Ottawa Senators last season and one for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010-11.
Predators sign Mike Moore to one-year deal 07-03-2012
Ian White D DET
The Nashville Predators await bigger news on defensemen, but in the mean time, they nabbed Mike Moore with a one-year, two-way contract. Moore played six games with the San Jose Sharks in 2010-11 but isn't expected to be a consistent NHL player. This is a depth signing.
Flyers re-sign Mike Testwuide 07-03-2012
Lynn Loyns C CAL
The Philadelphia Flyers brought Mike Testwuide back, at least at the minor league level. Testwuide is the kind of big forward who can become popular in Philly, but he hasn't shown enough to make an impact on the NHL-level yet. We'll see if he can at least get the occasional chance next season, although he'd need to muscle through a talented forward corps for that to happen.
Danny Syvret among Flyers signees 07-03-2012
Danny Syvret D STL
The Philadelphia Flyers signed three players including defenseman Danny Syvret. This is the third time that Syvret has been a member of the Flyers organization. He's most likely to play almost - if not all - of his time in the minors. Even if he sticks at the NHL level more than expected, it's unlikely he'll make a fantasy impact.
Dallas Stars newest team interested in Jagr 07-03-2012
Jaromir Jagr RW BOS
The Dallas Stars are the latest team connected to Jaromir Jagr in free agent rumors.

Joe Haggerty 		The Stars are interested in making a splash in free agency and have already make some significant moves, particularly when it came to signing Ray Whitney and trading for Derek Roy. Jagr would be an interesting fit for a team that could add some veteran scoring punch to the mix.
Devils re-sign Bryce Salvador for three years 07-03-2012
Bryce Salvador D NJ
The New Jersey Devils re-signed defenseman Bryce Salvador to a three-year, $9.5 million contract.

James Mirtle 		That $3.167 million annual average value only represents a small increase from his previous cap hit of $2.9 million, so the Devils didn't go overboard in rewarding what might be a once-in-a-lifetime playoff run. Salvador had 14 points in 24 playoff games in 2011 after only having nine points in the regular season. That kind of output might get him on some fantasy owners' radars, but if you make a gamble on him, it's best for him to be on the very bottom of your defense corps - if that.
Avs re-sign Erik Johnson for 4 years, $15M 07-03-2012
Erik Johnson D COL
The Avalanche re-signed restricted free agent Erik Johnson to a four-year, $15 million deal.

EJ Hradek on Twitter 		The blueliner had 26 points this past season, but as a former number-one pick, has seen his development stall a bit over the past few seasons. Now, he'll be counted on to take his game to the next level. He made $2 million in the 2011-12 campaign. "Since Erik's arrival in Colorado, he has provided stability, size and an offensive presence to our blueline," said general manager Greg Sherman.ΓΏ "At only 24 years of age, we believe that Erik will continue to grow his game and we are thrilled to have him under contract."
Canucks had to make strong pitch for Garrison 07-03-2012
Bjorn Melin RW ANA
The Canucks were forced to make a strong pitch for Jason Garrison after a few of their defense options signed elsewhere.

Vancouver Sun 		After prospect Justin Schultz decided to sign in Edmonton and veteran Sami Salo left for Tampa Bay, Vancouver immediately shifted its focus to bringing in Garrison, ultimately on a six-year deal for $4.6 million a year. At 27, the new blueliner who had 16 goals and 17 assists this past season, also allows the Canucks to continue to get younger, as Salo is 37. "I definitely kind of developed my game later than most guys," Garrison said. I think hard work is a big part of that. That is kind of how I was raised and the mentality that I have. I think that will help coming into a situation like this. I have to work even harder than before."
Tootoo thinks he adds new element to Wings 07-03-2012
Jordin Tootoo RW DET
Former Predators winger Jordin Tootoo thinks he'll provide a different aspect to the Red Wings lineup.

The Nashville Tennessean 		"I think the biggest thing is I know Detroit," he said. "We played against them many times over the years, and I thought this would be a great fit. I bring an element to the game that no other player brings. I think I'm in the prime of my career. The Wings don't really have a guy like me. Obviously this has been a truly amazing honor and at the same time I'm very excited to put on the Wings jersey. It's an original six team and a lot of history there."
Mikael Samuelson chose Wings for Cup chances 07-03-2012
Mikael Samuelsson RW DET
Mikael Samuelson decided to sign with the Red Wings because he believes they are Stanley Cup contenders

Detroit Free Press 		"Then main reason when I choose a team at this point, is if they have a chance to win or not," Samuelsson said. "That's the main reason I chose Detroit. I know what kind of place it is -- it was really tough decision for me to leave last time around. It's very comfortable to me there. It shouldn't take any time for me to get adjusted to the game or system we play. I know we play the same way as when I left." The 35-year-old won the Cup as a member of the Wings in 2008, before he left for the Canucks in 2009.
Wings to give Gustav Nyquist top-six chance 07-03-2012
Jussi Rynnas G TOR
The Red Wings are expected to give Gustav Nyquist a chance at making their top-six forward group next season.

Detroit Free Press 		As a rookie, the winger had a goal and seven points in 18 games, but he lit it up in the AHL, scoring 22 times and notching 58 points in 56 games. With Jiri Hudler gone to Calgary, general manager Ken Holland is prepared to give a few guys more expanded opportunities. "We signed (Damien Brunner), we've got Nyquist, we signed Mikael Samuelsson," Holland said. "We're looking to give Brunner and Nyquist an opportunity. We'll continue to explore the market place via free agency or trade."
Rick Nash talks should thaw once Parise signs 07-03-2012
Rick Nash LW NYR
Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson expects the Rick Nash talks to heat up after Zach Parise picks his destination.

Columbus Dispatch 		Nash and his agents have yet to be presented with any kind of trade offers, probably for two reasons: there's a holding pattern across the league as it waits for Parise to sign and because Howson's demands have reportedly been too much. The GM hopes that teams that miss out on Nash, then are more willing to pay the price for his star winger. Of course, Nash has to approve any trade. The Rangers still appear to be the frontrunners, with the Flyers involved and the Red Wings also now in the conversation.
Blackhawks make late push to sign Zach Parise 07-03-2012
Zach Parise LW MIN
The Blackhawks have made a late push to sign Zach Parise, even though reports indicated they weren't on his short list of teams early on in the sweepstakes.

Chicago Sun-Times 		Parise is still mulling over his options, and the frontrunners appear to be the Devils, Penguins, Red Wings and Wild. The Hawks seemed to make a late play for the star forward and would have to offer Parise a deal worth $100 million with a $12 million signing bonus to be a legitimate contender, which is unclear at this point. And if they were to sign him, they'd have to make a significant roster move to free up salary cap space before next season.
Marian Hossa (concussion) feeling better 07-03-2012
Marian Hossa RW CHI
Marian Hossa continues to feel better as he recovers from a concussion sustained during the first round of the playoffs.

Chicago Tribune 		"The reports I've gotten ... are encouraging and positive," Hawks general manager Stan Bowman said over the weekend. "No setbacks or anything. He continues to progress."
Flames GM thinks hopes Hudler flourishes 07-03-2012
Jiri Hudler LW CAL
Flames general manager Jay Feaster hopes that the newly-signed Jiri Hudler will thrive with more of the focus on him.

Calgary Herald 		Hudler had 25 goals and 25 points this past season with the Red Wings, but he was very much the secondary option behind guys like Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. "I've thought about it in the same context as when Rick Dudley was the general manager in Tampa," Feaster said. "He acquired Freddy Modin, in his prime, from Toronto. Freddy was playing there in a third-line role. Ultimately, he came to Tampa and he was a top-line guy and scored 30 goals multiple times. I'm not comparing (the wingers) -- but (Hudler) is going to have even more opportunity to flourish in our organization."
Sheldon Souray draws from early NHL days 07-03-2012
Sheldon Souray D ANA
Sheldon Souray continues to draw from his early days as a player.

Orange County Register 		The Ducks signed the 36-year-old to a risky three-year deal after a decent 21-point bounce-back campaign not only for his booming point shot, but because he's an experienced voice in the locker room. "When I got to Montreal I just did everything that was asked of me," Souray said. "Having fun, not knowing any better. You learn you're getting those opportunities because you're a hockey player. You'd better take care of business. ... But I'm thankful I grew up in the New Jersey organization. You had Scott Niedermayer, Scott Stevens, Slava Fetisov...It was like going to Harvard for a defenseman, before you go to high school. You learn what's required to be a good teammate. It wasn't a country club."
Kings want to see commitment from Penner 07-03-2012
Dustin Penner LW LA
Before bringing back Dustin Penner, the Kings wanted to assure themselves he'd be fully committed like he was toward the end of the season.

Los Angeles Times 		Penner received a one-year deal partially because he had just 18 points in the regular season. He did get $3.25 million, though, because he was a different player in the playoffs, notching 11 points. It looks as if Penner wants to prove himself to the Kings' brass. "We want to make sure he's committed to the effort we saw the last two months and not the player prior to," general manager Dean Lombardi said. "And he was very good too. [For] Darryl [Sutter], this was, look him in the eye, man to man. There were no punches pulled. To his credit, he could have easily went to the market and maybe came back. But he called that night and said, 'No. I want to stay and I'm going to show you.' He was willing to take a one-year deal."
Tyler Biggs will be watched at rookie camp 07-03-2012
Curt Gogol LW SJ
Tyler Biggs is expected to be a player of interest at Toronto's development camp.

Toronto Sun 		The 22nd overall pick in 2011 chose to begin his professional career after an injury-shortened 2011-12 campaign with Miami University (Ohio). Biggs is eligible to play in the OHL or AHL if he doesn't earn a roster spot with the Maple Leafs out of training camp. "We'll see how it all falls into place," Leafs director of player development Jim Hughes said. "He'll wind up with the big club or the Marlies or the Generals, and that would be a fantastic spot for him where he can get plenty of minutes of ice time. He's a beast of a kid. We expect big things from him this summer."
Johan Hedberg got exactly what he wanted 07-03-2012
Johan Hedberg G NJ
Johan Hedberg wanted to receive a two-year deal from New Jersey, so that he could bring his family over.

The Star-Ledger 		"I'm very happy. The two years was important because I wanted to bring my family to New Jersey," Hedberg said. "Obviously I had a one-year deal before and we didn't know if it would be worth uprooting everybody from the home we've had for some time. If they were going to make the move, I wanted it to be for an extended time." He said he could've earned a higher salary if he accepted a one-year contract from another club, but his preference was to stay with the Devils and to get a two-year term.
Brad Boyes feels Islanders are a good fit 07-03-2012
Brad Boyes RW NYI
Brad Boyes is eager to rebound from a disappointing season in Buffalo last year with his new team, the New York Islanders.

New York Newsday 		Boyes signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Islanders on Sunday. "Money wasn't really the driving factor for me," he said. "I wanted ... a situation that's geared toward my skill set. [John Tavares and Matt Moulson] are two of the best in the league now, and if I get a chance to play with them, it can only help me." He notched just eight goals and 23 points in 65 games in 2011-12.
Brodeur's departure would've hurt Devils 07-03-2012
Martin Brodeur G NJ
Martin Brodeur's potential exodus from New Jersey would've left a gaping hole in the team's crease.

The Bergen Record 		His departure would have also been strange considering he's spent the entirety of his Hall-of-Fame career with the Devils. He listened to offers from other clubs on July 1, but inked a two-year deal to stay with New Jersey on Monday. "I know people got a little overwhelmed because I hired an agent, but I felt it was the best for me to explore different options," said Brodeur. "I don't think I was going to be able to do it on my own and we needed to make it aware that there was a possibility [I would sign elsewhere]. There was a possibility. I don't think it was a strong, strong one, but again the interest level was overwhelming. That's what made it pretty hard."
Carey Price hopes to live up to new contract 07-03-2012
Carey Price G MON
Carey Price is hoping that he will be in the prime of his career by the time his new six-year contract expires.

Montreal Gazette 		"I'll be 30 when this deal expires and that's when I should be in my prime," he said "I hope I've had a few good seasons and a Stanley Cup or two and I'll be set for my next contract." Only Nashville's Pekka Rinne ($7 million) Henrik Lundqvist, of the New York Rangers, ($6.875 million) have higher cap hits than Price's $6.5 million among the league's netminders, which will give him a great deal to live up to starting with next year. "There's always pressure," he said. "The contract may make me a target, but I'm confident and looking forward to the season."
Ryan Spooner ready to begin pro career 07-03-2012
Jordan Schroeder C VAN
Ryan Spooner concluded Boston's development camp strong with a pair of goals in the final scrimmage.

Boston Herald 		The second-round pick of the Bruins in 2010 is ready to start his professional career after four years of junior hockey in the OHL. "You can see he's maturing as a young man, just physically," said GM Peter Chiarelli. "And his tests have shown that also. You've seen him play, he's very skilled through the neutral zone, a high-speed and highly skilled kid." He could a player to watch at training camp, but it's likely that he starts the 2012-13 season in the minors.
Hurricanes may set their sights on Rick Nash 07-03-2012
Rick Nash LW NYR
The Carolina Hurricanes are believed to be making offers for Rick Nash even though the organization is reportedly not on his approved list of teams.

Raleigh News & Observer 		Nash would have to give the green light for the move to happen if it turns out that the Jackets like their offer enough to move forward. The Hurricanes are still trying to improve their roster despite landing Jordan Staal in a trade with Pittsburgh. They were unsuccessful in their attempts to lure big ticket free agents Zach Parise and Ryan Suter into the fold, but they aren't done exploring other possibilities and Nash appears to be a good target to start with.
Sabres still want to size and skill at center 07-03-2012
Cody Hodgson C BUF
Cody Hodgson and Tyler Ennis are the top two centers on Buffalo's depth chart now following the trade of Derek Roy to Dallas.

Buffalo News 		The Sabres did get back a feisty pivot back in the move with the acquisition of Steve Ott, but GM Darcy Regier isn't expected to stop searching for help at the position. Reiger said that a trade is probably the route he will take, but he needs to wait because "there's quite a holding pattern right now in the league" as the most sought after UFA's decide where to sign.
Jets glad to add size to their forward group 07-03-2012
Olli Jokinen C WPG
Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is pleased with the big-bodied players he's been able to sign via free agency.

Winnipeg Free Press 		On the opening day of the free agent frenzy, the Jets signed 6-foot-4, 225-pound winger Alexei Ponikarovsky and on Monday the club added 6-foot-3, 215-pound center Olli Jokinen to the fold. He believe that the team "harder" to play against with the newly acquired size. Cheveldayoff said that Jokinen will fit into the club's top six forward group.
Report: Avs to extend Erik Johnson on Tuesday 07-03-2012
Erik Johnson D COL
The Avalanche are close to completing a four- or five-year extension with restricted free agent Erik Johnson.

Josh Rimer on Twitter 		Josh Rimer of NHL Home Ice reports that the long-term deal will be announced Tuesday, though the specifics of the contract are unclear at this point. Johnson was the top pick in the 2006 draft by the Blues, but he's yet to really take the next step since his first two seasons when he accumulated 72 points in 148 games. In his two seasons (150 games) since, the 24-year-old has recorded 55 points, seeing his production dip to 26 this past season. He earned $3 million in the 2011-12 campaign.