Lots of Key Signings to Catch-Up On

On Wednesday, May 11th, the Colorado Avalanche locked up Milan Hejduk for one more season, signing him to another $3 million deal.  The 35-year old Czech winger had a decent year on a floundering Avalanche team, scoring 22 goals and 34 assists in 71 games, ranking him in the top 100 yet again in his career.  His leadership and talent will be a major asset, if the Avalanche are going to turn things around in the 2012 season.

The New York Islanders rewarded their most impressive waiver pick-up in recent memory, Michael Grabner, with a brand new contract on Friday, May 13th.  Grabner signed a 5-year deal worth $15 million after a breakout year with 34 goals and 18 assists in 76 games on Long Island, an All-Star appearance and a Calder Trophy finalist nod.  That's a fine year for the speedy winger, especially after being claimed off waivers at the beginning of the season.

A signing out of the NHL dropped on Thursday the 12th, as Alexander Frolov has decided to head back to Russia for a contract in the KHL.  Frolov had a poor season after signing a 1-year deal with the Rangers last Summer, finishing 464th in pool scoring with 16 points in 43 games.  I don't think this move is coming as a surprise to many.