Minor Free Agent Signings

MINOR FREE AGENT SIGNINGS July 7th, 2011

C. Tom Pyatt (Tampa Bay): 1 Year Deal (2-Way) 

-$525,000 Per Year (NHL) & $105,000 Per Year (AHL)

Thoughts:

I love this signing for the Lightning. Pyatt is an incredible bottom-six forward who plays his role perfectly. He is a stud on the PK and does an effective job forechecking. He is a great addition for Tampa and I believe with Pyatt and Thompson, the Lightning will have one of the best PK's in the NHL. I will admit though, that I was quite surprised Pyatt accepted a two-way deal, he, in my opinion, has shown he is an NHL caliber player. As an Islanders fan, I would have been more than comfortable if the Isles gave him a one-way deal. 

LW. Ryan Shannon (Lightning): 1 Year Deal 

-$625,000 Per Year 

Thoughts:

I like Ryan Shannon, he has great speed and versatility. He is absolutely perfect for this Tampa Bay team which strives on players like Shannon. He will most likely play a role on their third line, and I see him fitting in quite well. His terms are very reasonable and I expect by mid-season, Lightning fans will begin to look for an extension for him.

LW. Zack Stortini (Predators): 1 Year Deal (2-Way)

-$550,000 Per Year (NHL) & $75,000 Per Year (AHL)

Thoughts:

This signing is very smart in my opinion. Stortini has played a lot of hockey at the NHL level and if the Preds need a physical bottom-six forward he could fill that role. If they decide to send him down, he provides a nice veteran presence for their AHL players and he will be a nice protecter of their young kids down there. Its a no-lose situation for them in this contract. 

RW. Brian McGrattan (Ducks): 1 Year Deal (2-Way)

-$600,000 Per Year (NHL) & N/A (AHL)

Thoughts:

McGrattan usually doesn't see much NHL time, but many teams like to have him down in the minors to protect their young kids who are playing down there. The Ducks have a number of young players down there and they are have picked the absolute best guy available to fill that role as protecter.

D. Alexander Sulzer (Canucks): N/A 

-Terms Not Released Yet

Thoughts:

I have always liked Sulzer and I think this signing might be a nice "under the radar" move that could prove valuable down the road. He is a good depth guy that has been solid throughout his career, I like this move. 

C. Evan Brophey  (Avalanche): N/A 

-Terms Not Released Yet

Thoughts:

He is another solid addition that I believe may pay big dividends down the road. He is a very solid two-way player that is nice to have in the system. If you need a call-up, he is always able to step in and do a decent job.