- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Minnesota Wild have signed Mikko Koivu to a 7 year contract extension worth $47.25 million, with a full no-trade clause. That works out to a $6.75 million cap hit per season. He will receive an annual salary of $5.4 million, and $1.89 million signing bonuses in Oct. 2011, Oct. 2013, Oct. 2015, Oct. 17 and Jan 2018.Koivu is coming off his best season, scoring 22 goals and adding 49 assists for 71 points. In ’08-09 he had 20 goals and 47 assists. In 362 career games, he’s scored 79 goals, 176 assists for 255 points. I understand that he’s their captain, and is the face of the franchise, but $6.75 million a season? Seems a little much too me.
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Pavol Demitra has signed a 1-year deal with Jaroslavl of the KHL.
- Tarik El-Bashir via Twitter: Chris Bourque will be heading to the KHL after not signing his qualifying offer from the Capitals.
- TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Mike Zigomanis, Joey Crabb, and Danny Richmond. 3 names you’ll see on the Toronto Marlies roster.
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: There isn’t much progress between the Vancouver Canucks and winger Mason Raymond. Raymond is scheduled to have his arbitration hearing on July 26th, so there is still time to get something worked out. He could be looking for something in the $2 million range.