Announcement – confirmed guest for Dobber Nation (out later Saturday): Calgary prospect and the 11th ranked fantasy prospect on my list Mikael Backlund.

The Isles have signed Martin Biron. Full analysis will be up later tonight.

Some good news and bad news about Marian Hossa. The good news is that he put up terrible numbers in the Final because he played through a shoulder injury – so our image of him can remain as that of a “star”. The bad news is – he has a shoulder injury. He is trying rehabilitation but if that doesn’t work they will go with surgery. This sounds like it has Sergei Gonchar potential, which would put him out until February if he has to have surgery.

Tim Kennedy, as discussed in the Prospects Report, has the odds against him for making Buffalo. He’s just not ready. Gerbe, on the other hand, should make the team. He has impeccable work ethic. His absense could hurt Kennedy in the AHL, so how Kennedy responds to no Gerbe will go a long way in determining his prospects for 2010-11.

Martin Gerber has indeed signed with a KHL team. No surprise here. I believe he’s done with the NHL for good.

The Thrashers have re-signed tough guy Boris Valabik to a multi-year deal. He’ll play for a full season this year and flirt with 200 PIM.

The Flames have signed future power forward Greg Nemisz to an ELC. I doubt he’ll make the team this year, but wouldn’t bet the house on that. He is ranked 123rd on my prospects list because power forwards take extra long to start producing.

The Flames also signed newly-acquired rearguard Keith Seabrook, who has a lot of offensive talent – not as much as his brother, but it’s there. I think he’ll need three years in the AHL. Also signed: TJ Brodie, who is ranked 95 on my prospect defensemen list, but moves up with the news (Seabrook and he will both be in the top 60 on that list by next update).

Columbus signed their top pick of 2009 John Moore to an ELC. He’ll be at least two years from making the team and another three or four before he’s fantasy worthy. I’d like to see how he does in junior this year before really passing judgment.

The Flyers have added even more depth by signing Lucas Kaspar. Between him, Ward and Kolanos, plus a youngster like Maroon, the Flyers have a few really solid options to call up in the event of an injury up front. I really love how this team is run. Although, they are really rolling the dice with their goaltending. But if it doesn’t work, there are no shortage of goalies out there who could be had via trade: Harding, for one. Halak, for another – but only after the Habs are satisfied that Price bounces back. And Emery could work out. Why not?

The Devils have avoided arbitration with Travis Zajac, signing him to a multi-year deal. I just finished New Jersey in the Fantasy Guide and I have him about the same as last year. The improvement based on experience is counter-balanced by the arrival of Lemaire.

Radek Bonk is about to sign a contract with Lokomotiv of the KHL. He lost his fantasy value about 50 years ago…