NHL Free Agents 2011: The Latest Buzz Surrounding Each NHL Team

As NHL training camps near, teams around the league are adding the finishing touches to their rosters by signing veteran free agents, or attempting to re-sign their own restricted free agents.

Even though the free agency period is almost over, and there are few notable names left, there are still plenty of veteran players available who will add important leadership to any playoff contending team.

Teams must also keep their young stars who are restricted free agents, and hope no other organization gives them an offer sheet.

Toronto's Luke Schenn and Los Angeles' Drew Doughty are two excellent RFAs who are still unsigned.

Let's look at the latest free-agent buzz for each NHL team, and see what's happening with your favorite squad.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist for Bleacher Report, and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston. Follow him on Twitter for NHL news and analysis. Follow @NicholasGoss35

New Jersey Devils: Zach Parise Looking for Long-Term Deal

The New Jersey Devils and franchise forward Zach Parise agreed to a one-year, $6 million contract last week, a move that helped avoid arbitration.

The two sides have a year to work out a long-term deal, but if the two sides can’t come to an agreement, trading Parise might become an option.

For the Devils, though, locking up Parise long term is the best move.

When 100 percent healthy, he is one of the best forwards in the game and a tremendous scorer.

New York Rangers: Adding Forward Depth the Next Move?

With Sean Avery getting into trouble with the law in Los Angeles this past week, and the amount of injuries Rangers forwards battled in 2011, adding some more depth offensively should be New York’s next task this summer.

Finding a veteran forward is the best option for general manager Glen Sather, who has past injury concerns with forwards Ryan Callahan and Marion Gaborik to worry about.

Philadelphia Flyers: Defensive Depth Needed with Chris Pronger Injury Concerns

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger may miss the start of training camp, according to general manager Paul Holmgrem via the Sporting News.

Pronger has been recovering from a back injury in May and a hand surgery in March.

Finding another defenseman, preferably a veteran one, should be a priority for Holmgrem.

New York Islanders: Will Evgeni Nabokov Get Traded Before Season Begins?

New York Islanders goaltender Evgeni Nabokov will report to training camp this fall, according to CBS Sports.

The Islanders already have plenty of goalies on the roster, and with Nabokov having good playoff experience, trading him to a contender may be the best option.

But now it seems Nabokov is willing to fight for the Islanders' starting job in net, and he’ll battle Rick DiPietro and Al Montoya for the spot.

Nabokov could be the Islanders' starting goalie when the season opens, but there will be interest from playoff contenders for Nabokov’s services if the Islanders fall out of the playoff race.

Pittsburgh Penguins: Evgeni Malkin Recovering, but Offensive Depth Needed

The Pittsburgh Penguins played very well last season despite missing their two stars, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, for much of the season with injuries.

As the two big-time forwards are eased back into the lineup, adding some offensive depth should be a priority for the Penguins for the rest of the summer.

Crosby’s concussion issues could come back at any time, and finding another center to fill in for him should he get hurt, is a good task for the summer.

Boston Bruins: Brad Marchand Close to a New Deal?

The Boston Bruins and restricted free agent forward Brad Marchand are engaged in contract talks, but nothing is imminent, according to Marchand’s agent via the Sporting News.

Marchand, 23, set a Bruins rookie record with 11 goals in the 2011 NHL playoffs, and scored 21 goals with 20 assists in the regular season.

Marchand should sign a new contract this month, and a two-year deal worth about $2.5 million-3.5 million per season is likely.

Toronto Maple Leafs: Luke Schenn Contract Talks Heating Up?

The Toronto Maple Leafs and defenseman Luke Schenn have resumed contract talks, according to the National Post, via Pro Hockey Talk.

Schenn is a very good young player and led the NHL in hits last season for defensemen.

The curious part of his ongoing contract negotiations is whether another team will give him an offer sheet in attempt to pry him from Toronto.

It’s not common for big-time restricted free agents to get offer sheets under the new CBA, but a team may offer Schenn one if the contract talks do not progress as training camp nears.

Montreal Canadiens: Few Major Signings for Habs This Offseason

Other than re-signing defenseman Andrei Markov to a new multi-year contract, the Montreal Canadiens have done little in free agency this summer.

They let James Wisniewski walk via free agency to the Columbus Blue Jackets, and let Benoit Pouliot go to the rival Boston Bruins.

They will need to sign young defenseman PK Subban to a long-term deal soon, so saving money for him is a wise move. He will command a big contract.

Ottawa Senators: With Money to Spend, Senators Making Few Moves

The Ottawa Senators have good salary cap space to spend but haven’t made any major signings.

Only small signings have been made, but the trade rumors surrounding center Jason Spezza and veteran defenseman Sergei Gonchar have not gone away.

The Senators really need to upgrade their roster if they want to return to the playoffs.

Buffalo Sabres: Roster Likely Set for Training Camp

The Buffalo Sabres are unlikely to make any major moves before training camp starts soon.

Their roster is pretty much set, and the team is well-rounded and poised to get to the second round of the playoffs.

The signing of former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Christian Ehrhoff and the contract extension of Andrej Sekera have deepened the Sabres blue line.

These additions will make goaltender Ryan Miller’s job easier next season.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Lightning Accomplished Their Goal This Summer

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s biggest concern this summer was re-signing superstar center Steven Stamkos to a new contract.

The 21-year-old signed a five-year, $35 million contract to remain in Tampa, and will help drive the offense for years to come.

The Lightning also re-signed winger Teddy Purcell to a two-year contract.

Without making any major signings, the Lightning have remained a top team in the Eastern Conference, because they didn’t lose anyone major and they have young players who will continue to improve next season.

Washington Capitals: Scott Hannan Won’t Return Next Season

Washington Capitals defenseman Scott Hannan won’t return to the team next season.

General manager Dan Meehan was asked in a Washington Times article about Hannan returning to the nation’s capital next year and responded, “That won’t happen.”

Hannan is still looking to get a deal with an NHL team before the season begins, and he will surely add a nice veteran presence to the team that signs him.

Florida Panthers: Quiet Summer for Florida as They Acquire Young Talent

The Florida Panthers have built a nice young roster with hopes of returning to the NHL playoffs for the first time in over a decade.

They haven’t made many major signings this summer, and their latest signing was 23-year-old defenseman Michael Caruso to a one year, two way contract.

Caruso, a fourth-round pick in 2006, will likely play in the minors next season as he develops.

Winnipeg Jets: Help at Wing Positions a Priority

The Winnipeg Jets need help at both wing positions, which is an area in which they don’t have much depth.

Other than Evander Kane, Blake Wheeler, and Andrew Ladd, there is not much proven talent on the wing.

Finding a veteran forward, preferably a winger, is a priority for Winnipeg for the remainder of the summer.

Carolina Hurricanes: Defensive Signings a Positive Sign

The Carolina Panthers bolstered their defensive corps this summer by signing unrestricted free agent defenseman Tomas Kaberle from the Boston Bruins, and by re-signing Joni Pitkanen.

Kaberle will help the power play a lot, and Pitkanen is a solid veteran.

With a better rounded roster, the Hurricanes are a real threat to make the playoffs next season.

Chicago Blackhawks: Would Ray Emery Make an Impact in Chicago?

Veteran goaltender Ray Emery has been invited to Blackhawks training camp this fall, and he will compete with rookie netminder Alexander Salak for the backup position behind Corey Crawford.

Emery, 28, has been battling many injures during his career, but always seems to overcome them and return well.

If needed to start, he would give the Blackhawks a veteran presence in goal, and still has plenty of good play left in him.

Nashville Predators: Are Shea Weber’s Days in Nashville Numbered?

Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber was awarded $7.5 million by an arbitrator for the 2011-12 season, after the Preds thought $4.75 million was his worth.

This low valuation by Nashville, plus their unwillingness to give Weber what he wants, may lead to the two parties parting ways next summer.

Weber will be a restricted free agent next summer, and will likely look to move elsewhere.

You can bet at least two or three teams will give him an offer sheet next offseason.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Recent Signings Have Jackets Looking at Playoffs

The Columbus Blue Jackets have made some good signings this summer and are hoping to get back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2008-09 season.

The Blue Jackets signed free agent defenseman James Wisniewski from the Montreal Canadiens on July 1 and traded for Jeff Carter from Philadelphia before the draft.

With more offensive talent and a franchise defenseman, the Jackets could make the playoffs in 2012.

Detroit Red Wings: Chris Drury a Good Fit?

Veteran center and former New York Rangers captain Chris Drury is a free agent this summer, and he has yet to sign.

He may retire, but the Detroit Red Wings are a possible destination for the former Stanley Cup champion.

Although not what he once was, Drury is still a decent offensive player, and he will add leadership to the club that signs him.

St. Louis Blues: Defensive Help Needed?

The St. Louis Blues and many of their players are facing a make-or-break season. The Blues need to make the playoffs or major changes could be made.

Goaltender Jaroslav Halak did not impress as many thought he would last season, and perhaps adding some defensive talent in front of him would help.

Vancouver Canucks: Owen Nolan and Todd Fedoruk Sign Tryout Deals

The Vancouver Canucks have signed veterans Owen Nolan and Todd Fedoruk to tryout deals, according to Fox Sports.

With injury concerns regarding forwards Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond, adding some offensive depth is a good idea for Vancouver.

Nolan has 885 points in 1,200 career games, and Fedoruk, an enforcer, did not play in the NHL last season.

Calgary Flames: Without Any Big Moves This Summer, Will Flames Contend in 2012?

The Calgary Flames have not signed any major free agents to bolster their roster in attempt to return to the NHL playoffs, and without much defensive depth, will they not contend next season.

It may be time for the Flames to seriously consider trading Jarome Iginla and/or goalie Miikka Kiprusoff for some young talent to rebuild the team.

Colorado Avalanche: Avs Sign Both First-Round Picks

The Colorado Avalanche have signed their two first-round picks, Gabriel Landeskog and Duncan Siemens, to professional contracts last Thursday, according to the Denver Post.

It’s unclear, however, if either of them will make the NHL squad for the new season.

Both could play nine games with the Avalanche, and still be sent back to the juniors to continue developing, according to league rules.

Minnesota Wild: Summer of Change Continues

The Minnesota Wild have made three trades with the Sharks this season, including one in which they traded their top defenseman, Brent Burns, to San Jose for David Setoguchi, prospect Charlie Coyle, and a first-round pick.

Last Thursday, the Wild traded center James Shepard to San Jose for a third-round pick.

Filling Burns’ production on defense will be hard, and Minnesota has yet to address it.

Edmonton Oilers: Oilers Hoping Talented Youth Brings Them to Playoffs

After rookie Taylor Hall impressed in his first NHL season last year, the Edmonton Oilers are hoping 2011 first overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is equally as good in 2012.

Nugent-Hopkins signed an entry-level contract right away on July 2, and he is one of many good young players the Oilers are hoping can lead them back to the playoffs.

Anaheim Ducks: Teemu Selanne to Decide NHL Future Soon

Anaheim Ducks winger Teemu Selanne won’t decide until September whether he will return for another NHL season.

He is currently rehabbing his knee from offseason surgery.

Selanne, 41, played in 73 games last season and scored 31 goals despite being bothered by his knee for most of the year.

Phoenix Coyotes: Patrick O'Sullivan Signs Deal

The Phoenix Coyotes signed forward Patrick O’Sullivan to a one year, two-way contract on Aug. 5, according to the LA Times.

O’Sullivan played in 31 games last season between the Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes, and he scored two goals with six assists.

Dallas Stars: Power-Play Help Is Desperately Needed

With the departures of center Brad Richards and winger James Neal this summer, the Dallas Stars badly need some offensive help to bolster their power play.

The Stars are hoping new signing Michael Ryder can improve the offense, but his play is very inconsistent.

Veteran defenseman Sheldon Souray is also an option for the Stars.

Los Angeles Kings: Drew Doughty Remains Unsigned

The Los Angeles Kings and restricted free agent Drew Doughty have yet to agree to terms on a new contract, but a deal between the two sides is what both parties want in the near future.

Doughty, 21, is one of the league's best defensemen, and it's clear the Kings want him to be a big part of their future.

Finding a deal to base Doughty's on has been difficult, but Rangers defenseman Marc Staal's five-year, $19.875 million contract could be it.

San Jose Sharks: Another Trade with the Wild Leads to New Signing

After signing defenseman Brent Burns to a big new contract extension last week, the San Jose Sharks made their third trade of the summer with the Minnesota Wild.

The Sharks acquired center James Sheppard for a third-round pick in 2013, then signed him to a new contract.