On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline: The Blue Jackets have signed 2017 second-round draft pick Alexandre Texier to an entry-level contract. He will play in Finland again next season.
On the Montreal Canadiens …
TSN Hockey: The Canadiens have signed goaltender Antti Niemi to a one-year, $950,000 deal.
Sean Shapiro: Niemi is also getting $1.5 million from the Stars as they bought him out last year.
Eric Engels: Goaltender Charlie Lindgren is still 43 games shy of requiring waivers to be sent to the AHL. The Canadiens won’t potentially lose him for nothing if they send him to the AHL at the start of the season.
On the Nashville Predators …
Adam Vingan: The Predators made some management promotions today: Jeff Kealty to Assistant General Manager and Director of Scouting. Brian Poile to Assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations. Scott Nichol to General Manager of the Milwaukee Admirals and Director of Player Development.
On the New York Islanders …
Andrew Gross of Newsday: The Islanders officially named Lou Lamoriello as president of hockey operations and that he’ll have “full authority over all hockey matters with the organization.”
“We are grateful to Larry Tanenbaum and the Toronto Maple Leafs for their courtesy in allowing this move,” Islanders managing partner Scott Malkin said in a statement. “We are committed to giving Lou every resource and the full support of the entire organization as we pursue our program to compete at the highest level.”
GM Garth Snow‘s status after the Lamoriello announcement remains unclear. Coach Doug Weight‘s status is also unknown.
On the New York Rangers …
Larry Brooks: David Quinn has signed the appropriate papers to become the next head coach of the New York Rangers. An announcement could come later today.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Ken Warren: The Senators have signed Patrick Sieloff to a two-year, two-way contract – $675,000 in the NHL, $125,000 in the AHL for the first year, $725,000 and $170,000 in the second year.