What You Need to Know July 6th

What You Need to Know is a segment or series I like to do during the summer when news isn't trickling in at such a fast pace. To sum it up it's a post I make on Fridays (when there is enough news) about whats happened over the past week regarding the NHL. I'll talk about trades, contract extensions, CBA, new rules, basically if it has to do with hockey it will be in one of these posts. It's the best way to get you the news you want to know during the summer. Here we go!

Free Agent Signings

We'll kick today off with some more talk about free agents, see what other names you can cross off your wish list.

Matt Carle signs a 6 year deal with the Lightning

Can't remember if this was in my last update or not but it's worth mentioning again. Arguably one of the most sought after defenceman on the market (after Suter). Carle signed a 6 year deal worth $36 million with the Lightning. This is a good signing for the Lightning and may inch them closer to a deep playoff-run. 

Al Montoya signs 1 year deal with Winnipeg

Montoya is heading North to play with the Jets. After the Jets let Jonas Gustavsson walk they needed to find another goalie and that goalie in Montoya. The two sides agreed to a 1 year deal worth $601 thousand. 

Philippe Dupuis signs 1 year deal with Pittsburgh

The Leafs are losing one of their centres. Dupuis and the Penguins agreed to a 1 year deal worth $600 thousand.

Kevin Porter signs a 1 year deal with Buffalo 

The Sabres have signed another free agent who will have little impact on the team. Expect Porter to begin the season in Rochester and be used as a call up for when the injury bug bites. Porter agree to a 1 year 2-way deal with the Sabres.

Nick Foligno signs 3 year deal with Columbus

After the Senators traded their restricted free agent to the Blue Jackets, he decided he'll stick around to play some hockey. Foligno signs a 3 year deal worth $9.25 million.

The Dallas Stars have signed their 13th overall pick from the draft Radek Faksa

Faksa was signed to the standard 3 year entry level contract.

CBA Talk:

The NHLPA and the NHL (Gary Bettman) had their second meeting on Thursday, and the talks are "Business like". Both sides remain confident they can get a new CBA worked out before the season kicks off. 

New Coach:

The Red Wings have hired former Edmonton Oilers head coach Tom Renney as an associate coach of the Wings. Renney will join Mike Babcoock's staff for next season. In two seasons as the head coach of the Oilers Renney had a record of 57-85-22 and failed to make the playoffs. Although the Oilers success or lack there of was not a direct result of his coaching. They had a very young team that needs time to develop.

Cardiac Emergency:

Brett MacLean had a major scare as he had a cardiac emergency while playing a pick up hockey game in Owen Sound. He was taken by air ambulance to a hospital in London were he was admitted into cardiac ICU. The second round pick of the Coyotes from 2007 is improving as he is conscious and talking. The doctors are still running tests to see what caused him to collapse. 

Team USA U-18 Roster:

The roster for the next the United States at the next U-18 tournament was announced earlier this week. Of the 22 players on the roster 12 of them were apart of the team that led the US to a U17 championship. 17 of the players named to the team are or will be draft eligible for 2013. For a complete look at the roster click here. 

Suspension reduced:

The NHL has reduced Phoenix Coyotes forward Raffi Torres' suspension from 25 games to 21. NHL league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan had originally handed out the 25 games but League owner Gary Bettman decided to reduce it. Torres will now miss only 8 games during the regular season but will be ineligible to play in pre-season games. Torres was suspended initially for a late hit delivered to the head of Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa. 

Thats all that went down this week in the NHL (apart from free agency) be sure to check back here every Friday to stay up to date with news over the summer.