Adding in Iginla @ 7M and Kipper @ 5.8M, that's an awful lot tied up long term in 6 players.

I thought he'd get 6 on a long-term contract, I guess 6.6 isn't too far off............takes the salary of a 4th line player though, which could be huge, since Calgary is pretty tight up to the cap.

It's a great move short term (ie. for the upcoming season), but with the cap dropping next season (due to the recession) they could be in a lot of trouble........but then again, so will a lot of other teams.

Calgary has $35 million tied up in 6 players (Bouwmeester, Iginla, Langkow, Phaneuf, Regehr, Kiprusoff) through at least the 2011-12 season.....that leaves what? little over 20 million for 14 players?

Apparently the Edmonton Oilers & Senators had a deal in place for Heatley but Heatley said no for waiving his no trade clause -

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Oilers-Senators-had-deal-in-place-Heatley-nixe?urn=nhl,173928

The 3rd comment seems apt for the story - "wow ........you ask to be traded and you nix a trade. What a dick!"

Yeah, that sums it up. When you demand a trade, you should lose the right to your NTC/NMC clause. I can't imagine why anyone would want a player like him. Yes, he is skilled, but if you were a player would you want him on your team? A guy who can't take some criticism from the coach. I hope Edmonton does get him......I think he'll help screw them over.

The Free Agency Madness has begun

first major news of the day - The Sedin Twins signed to stay with Vancouver, 5 year contracts worth 6.1 million (each)

- http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283415

^ I'm happy they resigned with VAN. No disrespect to them as players, but I would have been mortified if Toronto started to actively pursue them as free agents.

Mattias Ohlund signed with the Tamba Bay Lighting in deal worth 24.5 million for 7 years (averaging 3.5 million a year)

I have to say, as a habs fan I'm much less enthusiastic about the trade. 7+ mill a year for 5 years was a lot to take on for a player who just came off one of his worst seasons.

It is true though, there are quite a few promising prospects on the rise, but right now I hope Gainey focuses on getting some defensemen... and maybe Lecavalier.

The Blackhawks have signed Marian Hossa to a 12 year contract worth 5.2 million each year

Source - http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283428

Didn't see Hossa signing with the Hawks at all

oh and Ty Conklin signed a 2 year deal with St. Louis for 2.6 million (1.3 million a year)