In an effort to keep up with what has truly been a frenzied NHL free agency day, here are 3 more big deals that have went down today:
Thomas Vanek, to the surprise of absolutely nobody, has signed a 3 year, $19.5M with the Minnesota Wild. The Austrian played college hockey at the University of Minnesota and has a home in the Twin Cities. It was almost a foregone conclusion that Vanek would end up in Minnesota after the first time he was dealt this season, from Buffalo to the New York Islanders.
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- Ottawa Senators: Move or Keep Anthony Duclair?
According to TSN’s Bob MacKenzie the Wild are hesitant to give out any more long term deals after Ryan Suter and Zach Parise‘s monster pre-lockout contracts, but Vanek wanted to play there and accepted less term after turning down a 7 year, $50M contract earlier in the season from the Islander.
Stephane Robidas, one of the more underrated defensive defensemen in the game, signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs for 3 years. He will definitely help shore up things in his own end in front of Jonathan Bernier and take some of the heat off Dion Phaneuf.
Mason Raymond left the Maple Leafs for a 3 year, $9.5M deal with the Calgary Flames. After accepting a tryout last season with the Leafs he played his way into a 1 year contract where he succeeded beyond expectations. He had 19 goals and 26 assists for the Leafs.