Empty Netter Assists - 07-26-12
Penguins
-"It's the first time I've been traded. I was at a place where I was comfortable. It's a whole new feel now. At first, you're kind of taken aback. It's a little disappointing. Then you start thinking about it and you move on." - New Penguins center Brandon Sutter (above) on being dealt from the Hurricanes.
-Sutter speaks:
-Dylan Reese is the first Jewish Pittsburgher to play for the Penguins.
-Former Penguins defenseman Alexandre Picard has joined HC Lev Praha of Russia's KHL. A free agent signing last summer, Picard appeared in 17 games with the NHL Penguins last season and recorded four assists. In 43 games with the AHL Penguins, he scored 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists).
-Former Penguins prospect Angelo Esposito, the team's first-round pick in 2007, has joined Pelicans of Finland's SM-liiga.
Atlantic Division
-"We tried to add, in our minds, one of the best defensemen in the game to a good, young, up-and-coming team, and it didn't work. It was structured in a way we were hopeful they wouldn't match it. I learned at about 3:15 [on Tuesday] afternoon, and the initial reaction was disappointment, but I guess we move on." - Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren on attempting to add Predators defenseman Shea Weber to his team.
-"The big market is just a bonus, it comes along with it. Growing up in and around Toronto, this is kind of what I'm used to for hockey and it was a bit of a change playing in Columbus. After playing there nine, 10 years, I think I'm looking forward to all of this." - New Rangers forward Rick Nash (right) comparing Columbus to New York.
-The Islanders signed former Ducks defenseman Nathan McIver to a one-year two-way contract.
Northeast Division
-Islanders defenseman Steve Staios (right) officially retired and joined the Maple Leafs as a player development advisor. In addition to the Islanders, Staios played for the Bruins, Canucks, Thrashers, Oilers and Flames. In 1,001 career games, he scored 220 points.
-The Senators re-signed restricted free agent forward Stephane De Costa to a one-year two-way contract.
-The Bruins entered an affiliation agreement with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL.
Central Division
-The new contract of Predators captain Shea Weber does not have a no-trade clause.
-"I don't want this to get confused -- we have aspirations to win the Cup here in Columbus, too." - New Blue Jackets forward Brandon Dubinsky.
Northwest Division
-The Canucks re-signed restricted free agent forward Dale Weise (right) to a one-year contract worth $615,000. Weise, 23, appeared in 68 games last season, scored eight points (four goals, four assists) and recorded 81 points.
-EN Says: Weise joined the Canucks last season and found a role as a third- of fourth-line banger and crasher. An energy player, he'll throw his body around without hesitation and is more than willing to drop the gloves.
Pacific Division
-The Stars re-signed restricted free agent defenseman Jordie Benn to a one-year two-way contract.
Adams Division
-Former Red Wings/Stars forward Fabian Brunnstrom has joined Frolunda of Sweden's Elitserien.
(Photo: Sutter-Bruce Bennett/Getty Images; Nash-Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images; Staios-Jim McIsaac/Getty Images; Weise-Harry How/Getty Images)