July 26, 2007

The Oilers have signed Dustin Penner to an offer sheet worth $21.5 million for five years. I know they have money to throw around, but now they're just doing it for the fun of it. He is not a four million dollar player. If Anaheim matches and Niedermayer does not retire, they will be over the cap. The Oilers would also have to give up a first and a third. If I'm the Ducks I take the picks and run. Think about it – Edmonton's first? That could be first overall! Dumb dumb dumb. I was on board with the Vanek offer, but not this one.

The Preds have bucked all the rumors and signed Martin Gelinas. That will be enough to squeak them over the salary minimum (I think).

For those readers in Alberta, I will be on BIG105 in Red Deer tomorrow with Andrew Walker for a few minutes… 

Here's more foresight from the Leafs – Paul Hunter of the Star is reporting that the team is interested in signing Peca again…but to do so would need to trade a player and Matt Stajan is reportedly being shopped.  Peca's a big upgrade (not) to Stajan these days. Why can't the Leafs just leave well enough alone? 

Brooks Laich has signed a one-year contract via arbitration worth $725,000. Milan Jurcina is the other Washington player who has filed. Dallas forward Antti Miettinen's hearing is scheduled for this morning.

The Flyers have re-signed forwards Boyd Kane and Riley Cote. Finally, Philadelphia makes a splash this summer. (that was for you, Notch)

Tampa Bay has signed rearguard Doug Janik to a two-way deal.

The Wild plan to have James Sheppard practice with Gaborik and Demitra in training camp and they really hope he makes the team this year. Meanwhile, they plan to continue pushing prospects Benoit Pouliot and Roman Voloshenko to work harder and start showing their vast potential after the two of them had weak seasons in the AHL last year. 

DOBBER'S POOL GUIDE – READY IN…