Free Agency Update July 4th

It is with great pleasure that I announce the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter drama is now behind us. On July 4th also known as independance day, the two stars signed away their independance to the Minnesota Wild. NHL Free Agency may officially begin as the two guys holding everything up are now off the market.

Zach Parise and Ryan Suter sign 13 year deals with Minnesota
Yes you read that correctly Parise and Suter the two biggest names on the market this free agency have decided to join together and play on the same team. The Wild and the two superstars have agreed on 13 year identical contracts worth $98 million. The contracts will keep them in Minnesota until the 2024-2025 season. Parise the former Devil got the most attention during the free agency fenzy, having been reported to have a verbal negotiation with the Red Wings and being harrassed by Sidney Crosby to come and join the Penguins. Suter flew under the radar and stayed quite right up until signing with the Wild. Both players are 27 and joining just their 2nd NHL team in their careers. Despite these two massive signing the Wild will still be in a dogfight for the 8th and final playoff seed in the West next season. (yes the West is that good)

We view this as a rare opportunity for us to transform our franchise by adding two marquee players, who are both in the prime of their careers, at the same time.”

Now that these two are off the market expect talks to heat up around other free agents who are looking to offer their services to the 29 other teams that lost out of the Parise and Suter sweepstakes. Only time will tell if this turns out to be a solid deal.

Jaromir Jagr signs 1 year deal with Dallas
The Russian star is heading to the Stars for next season. The Stars believe the 40 year old still has gas left in the tank and can help their team take the next step. The two sides agreed to a 1 year deal worth $4.55 million.

Steve Sullivan signs 1 year deal with Pheonix
The Coyotes went after the veteran forward to help improve their power play. The two sides agreed to a 1 year $1.85 million contract

Taylor Pyatt signs 2 year deal with the New York Rangers
Pyatt is a player I have always been a fan of, don't ask me why i've just always liked to watch him play.   He spent last season in the desert with the coyotes. The two sides agreed to a 2 year $3.1 million contract.

Bryan Allen signs 3 year deal with Anaheim
One of the top defenceman on the market agreed to a 3 year deal worth $10 million with the Ducks.
He will be joining veteran Sheldon Souray who signed a 3 year deal worth $11 million. 


Top names still available


Matt Carle- Played last season with the Flyers and is one of the top defenceman available after Suter. Carle was waiting till the end of the Suter/Parise sweepstakes to go to a team that missed out on them.
Alexander Semin- Still no word on where Semin will go, but much like Carle he wanted to wait until after the two big dogs were out of the way.