Flyers land Briere as free agent signings take off
TORONTO: The Philadelphia Flyers landed one of the top prizes on the free agent market signing Daniel Briere to an eight-year $52 million deal on Sunday while the Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks added another blue chip defenseman to their lineup.
Just hours after the NHL free agency period opened at 1200 EST (0800 GMT), the Flyers went for their cheque book, luring Briere from the Buffalo Sabres in a deal that will see the 29-year-old forward earn $10 million next season.
Briere, who matched a career high with 32 goals, was rated as one of the top unrestricted free agents and according to reports had received offers from 10 different teams.
With the NHL raising the salary cap to $50.1 million, teams wasted little time spending the extra cash.
The Ducks, who already have Norris trophy winners Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger patrolling their blueline, added another all-star to their defense, signing Detroit Red Wings' Mathieu Schneider to a reported two-year $11.25 million contract.
An offensive minded defenseman, Schneider will provide insurance for the Ducks with Stanley Cup MVP Niedermayer considering retirement.
A two-time all-star, Schneider has recorded 200 goals and 463 assists in a 17-year career that has included stints with six different teams.
"Scott Niedermayer has informed me that he is leaning toward retirement," said Ducks general manager Brian Burke on the team's website.
"Typical of his character and leadership, he made the call this morning in order to allow us to make alternative plans in the event he does not return.
"We felt adding another top NHL defenseman was critical to defending our championship."
According to TSN, Detroit moved quickly to fill the hole left by Schneider, signing New Jersey Devils defenseman Brian Rafalski to a five-year, $30 million deal.
Rafalski had a career-high 55 points (5-47) in 82 games with the Devils last season.
The San Jose Sharks made the biggest splash, signing their 2006 league MVP Joe Thornton to a three-year contract extension worth a reported $21.6 million.
Signing the big power centre, who has led San Jose in scoring the last two seasons, was considered a top priority for the Sharks.
A four-time all-star, Thornton is rated one of the NHL's premier playmakers, joining Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux as the only players to record back-to-back 90 assist seasons.
"Making sure Joe remained in San Jose was a top priority and he will be an integral part of our franchise as we march towards our goal of competing for the Stanley Cup," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said.
AFP
(China Daily 07/03/2007 page24)
