Steven Stamkos Signs & Other NHL News

The last few days has seen a flurry of activity in the NHL, so let’s recap the major stories.

Steven Stamkos: the saga that has been the drawn out process of resigning superstar restricted free agent Steven Stamkos has come to a conclusion. Yesterday, Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning put pen to paper as Stammer inked a new five year, $37.5 million dollar contract. With the five year deal, the Bolts have their core locked up for the foreseeable future.

It’s still surprising that Stamkos never received an offer sheet from one of the 29 other teams in the league. Not even in his prime yet, Stamkos has notched 96 goals over his last two seasons. Resisting the temptation to go big money-long term on the contract, Stamkos will be an UFA in five years. Now it will be up to the Bolts and GM Steve Yzerman to surround Stamkos with some talent as in five years time, the core of Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier will be past their prime or retired.

Peter Deboer: the former coach of the Florida Panthers has found a new gig as he was announced as the new head coach of the New Jersey Devils. This is an interesting move as DeBoer failed to make the playoffs in his three years in Florida and actually finished worst off than the Devils did this past year. With a NHL coaching record of 103-107-36, DeBoer enters the organization as the Devils are looking to rebound from an off year.

This will be DeBoer’s second chance in the NHL and he needs to prove he can led an NHL bench. With the Devils not seeming to respond to rookie coach John MacLean last season, it’ll be fun to watch if the Devils veterans respond to DeBoer.

Chris Osgood: veteran goalie Chris Osgood has announced that he is retiring from the NHL. Having played 17 seasons in the NHL for the Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues and the New York Islanders, Osgood has three Stanley Cups to his name. His retirement will spark the debate whether he belongs in the Hall of Fame. With 401 career NHL wins, three Cups and a number of All-Star appearances, I say he belongs in the Hall.

Andrew Cogliano: recently acquired from the Edmonton Oilers, the Anaheim Ducks have signed speedy forward Andrew Cogliano to a three year- $7.170 million dollar contract. His annual salary will be $2.390 million dollars per. I think Cogliano is a good player with speed to burn and may thrive on a new team. While he lacks the finishing ability to be a consistent top six threat, he should be able to put up 20 goals and 40 points in Anaheim.

The question I have with this contract is dollar amount. Cogliano’s best season (18-27-45) came in his rookie season (07-08) four years ago. Since then, Cogliano has regressed. Never again has he topped forty points or reached the 20 goal mark. On most teams, Cogliano is a speedy third line forward. However, on the Ducks, he is the sixth highest paid forward. Will Cogliano breakout this season and earn his salary? Or will he continue to waste his potential and be an overpaid third liner? Only time will tell.

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