Stanley Cup Winner Doug Weight just 3 months after being traded from St. Louis, has re-signed there for 2 years $7 million. I wonder if this will help further entice Bill Guerin to join his Team USA linemates?

Jason Arnott is headed to Nashville where sources are reporting that he has just signed a 5 year deal worth $22.5 million. Arnott had a career year with Dallas last season, and should help the Predators get over the hump this year.

Rangers re-sign Martin Straka, Karl Rachunek and pick up free agent Stanley Cup Winner Matt Cullen from the Hurricanes. Rachunek was enticed to return to the NHL and the Rangers after a year of playing in Russia. He was obtained during the pre-lockout trading firesale the Rangers had in 2003. Straka had an outstanding year for the Rangers and with linemate Jagr and has re-signed for one year at $3.1 million.

Panthers have signed former Anaheim defenceman Ruslan Salei to a 4 year deal worth $12.1 million. This team just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Another year, and another team for Mike Sillinger as he signs with his record 12th team the Islanders for 3 years at roughly $2 million per season.

Rob Blake has left the Avalanche and returned to his orignal team the L.A. Kings. Blake signed a 2 year deal with Kings for $6 million per season. Tough break for the Avs, but great pickup for the Kings. Although Blake struggled defensively early, his power play numbers are always pretty good.

The Boston Bruins continue to mine the free agent market picking winger Shean Donovan for 2 years.

What about Pronger?
According to reports he will be traded today. To whom? Those same reports are saying that Anaheim is the biggest player right now. After letting Salei go to free agency, perhaps the Ducks are looking for a replacement? Either way, a top defensive pairing of Neidermayer and Pronger would be the best tandem in the league......unless you were able to unite Patrice Brisbois and Kevin Hatcher...just kidding. If Pronger would only grow a playoff beard, that would be the wooliest backline ever!

John Davidson continues to make moves as the new President of the Blues as he has just picked up former Avalanche forward Dan Hinote.

Daryl Sydor is headed back to Dallas, after being traded by the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 4th round pick. Sydor is a salary cap casualty mainly because the Lightning overpaid Brad Richards......and one could argue St. Louis and Lecalvier as well.

Rumors out of the NY Post are that Bill Guerin, and Mike Grier could be possible targets of the Rangers, however, these do come from rumor wizard Larry Brooks, so take them with a grain of salt....and a shot of tequila, and some lime if you got'em.

In case I have a run-in with some fireworks, or cooler of beer, or both, I just want to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh