NEWS AND NOTES FOR JULY 2nd

JULY 2nd: NEWS & NOTES

Matt Gilroy Signs In Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenseman, Matt Gilroy, to a one-year contract worth $1 million. This is a bit of a surprising signing in my opinion, mainly due to the fact that the Lightning already had seven defenseman signed to one-way contracts so this makes it eight. Once they acquired Bruno Gervais I was under the impression that they had finished tinkering with their defense, but this obviously shows they felt as though they needed to add some more depth. I'm just unsure as to why they would sign another guy to a one-way contract when they could just sign a depth, minor-league guy on a two-way contract.


Rangers And Predators Swap Minor Leaguers 
The Rangers have sent Brodie Dupont to the Nashville Predators for Andreas Thuresson. Both players are the same age, and put up similar stats in the AHL, but I actually think this deal is good for the Rangers. Thuresson is a guy I have liked for a little bit as I believe he has some nice upside he has yet to reach. I would expect him to see some NHL time next year. He might surprise some, I believe. 


Rob Niedermayer Signs In Europe
Rob Niedermayer has left the NHL after a long 17 year career in the NHL. He has signed with HC Lugano of the Swiss league for only the next season. He has had a great NHL career and its sad to see him leave after all of this time. 


Blackhawks Add Dan Carcillo
The Blackhawks have added some more grit and toughness to their line-up as they have signed Dan Carcillo to a 1 year contract. The deal is worth about $775,000, which if he can re-kindle his success of a few years ago with the Coyotes, he may be a very valuable asset to Chicago. 


Chris Bourque Returns To The NHL
Chris Bourque has returned to the NHL after some time in Europe, and has signed a contract with the Washington Capitals who he originally played for before leaving the league. 


Chris Drury Leaving NHL?
Chris Drury is rumored to be leaving North America. A few days ago he was bought out from his NHL contract with the NY Rangers and became an Unrestricted Free Agent. He hasn't received the amount of interest he would have liked and as of right now it looks like he will be signing in Europe. The Swiss league looks like a likely destination.


Jeff Tambellini Signs In Europe
According to reports former NY Islander Jeff Tambellini has signed in Europe. He was dominant in the AHL, but has never been able to translate his game to the NHL.