With so much uncertainty surrounding Mike Fisher’s future, the Predators decided to bolster their center ranks and signed Nick Bonino to a four-year, $16.4 million deal. He’s a proven winner, bringing two Stanley Cup championships to Pittsburgh. In two years with the Penguins, Bonino had 27 goals and 39 points in 143 games. The Preds hope he can bring that same kind of success to Nashville.
Kevin Shattenkirk signs with the New York Rangers
It’s a great time to be a Rangers fan. The future looks definitely bright for the Original Six side with New York signing top free agent defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk to a four-year, $26.6 million deal. Shattenkirk gave a huge discount to a team he grew up watching and rooting for. He’s an elite puck-moving defenseman who has scored 100 points over the past two seasons. Shattenkirk replaces Derek Stepan who was traded to the Arizona Coyotes last Friday.
Patrick Sharp returns to the Chicago Blackhawks
Speaking of hometown discounts, Patrick Sharp just gave one to the Chicago Blackhawks. He signed a $1 million, 1-year deal to return to his former team. Sharp is undoubtedly a legend in the Windy City, scoring 239 goals and dishing out 272 assists as a member of the Blackhawks from 2005-15. He’s coming off his worst offensive season since his rookie year, averaging just 0.17 goals per game in 48 games. Can the 35-year-old bounce back strongly in his old stomping grounds? The 2017-18 season can’t come soon enough.
Karl Alzner joins the Montreal Canadiens
Marc Bergevin addressed Montreal’s defensive concerns, signing Karl Alzner to a five-year contract with an AAV of $4.625 million. He’s a classic stay-at-home defenseman, recording 162 blocked shots in the 2016-17 season. That’s good for 12th among blueliners last campaign. It will be interesting to see how Alzner will fare alongside Shea Weber in the Montreal defense.
Martin Hanzal signs with the Dallas Stars
The Stars made a huge splash in Day 1 of free agency, signing center Martin Hanzal to a three-year, $14.25-million contract. The 30-year-old split the 2016-17 season between Arizona and Minnesota combining for 39 points in 71 regular-season outings. Hanzal set a career-high with his 20 goals last season and also tied his career-high with 169 shots.
