NHL Offseason Moves: Jonathan Quick, Tuukka Rask, Hal Gill, Sidney Crosby

NHL Offseason Moves Update – Jonathan Quick, Tuukka Rask, and Sidney Crosby sign extensions while Hal Gill resigns in Nashville

The biggest story line of this postseason was the way goaltending and defense carried the load. The final four goalies this season were hockey legend Martin Brodeur, the Coyotes’ Mike Smith, Jonathan Quick, and Henrik Lundqvist. As such, it’s no surprise the two biggest contract extensions of the early NHL offseason went to goalies Jonathan Quick and Tuukka Rask. The other big extension was Sidney Crosby – you can read more about my take on his lengthy extension here. Hal Gill resigned with the Preds as well and another veteran defensemen, Dennis Wideman, signed a 5 year deal with the Flames after being dealt from Washington. It’s already been an active offseason and the biggest names have yet to settle. Rick Nash is still on the market and the Devils are negotiating with Zach Parise to try to avoid the July 1st frenzy he is sure to create.

Jonathan Quick was a Stanley Cup hero for the 8th-seeded Kings as they made an improbable run to postseason glory. They were built from the net out and added complementary pieces, but Quick was the key to the LA Kings’ playoff success. He deserved a contract extension and the move makes perfect sense for the Kings. The 26-year-old Quick landed a ten-year extension from the Stanley Cup champs after a historic season where he allowed fewer than two goals per game and saved 91.6% of the shots he faced. Quick will make just 1.8 million dollars next year, but his extension will likely reward him for his consistent play. Remarkably, Quick was on the trade market before this season before leading the Kings to the Stanley Cup. All is right in the hockey world.

With Tim Thomas sitting out next season, once-young and promising backup Tuukka Rask appears to finally have his chance with the Boston Bruins. The Bruins extended the new starting goaltending a one-year deal worth 3.5 million dollars while they wait on the suddenly-eccentric Tim Thomas.

The Nashville Predators brought Hal Gill in at the trade deadline from the Habs, but their season fell short. The deal is for two years and worth four million dollars, which is reasonable for the lumbering blueliner. With rumors abound that the top-two defensemen in Nashville could be on their way out, Gill could prove to be a solid asset for the Preds. He is a veteran presence and a sound defenseman, but his 37 years make him a liability moving forward.

In perhaps the most shocking move of the early NHL offseason, the Capitals were unable to make a deal with defenseman Dennis Wideman, and did not negotiate with the veteran before sending him to the Flames for a 5th round pick and RFA defenseman. Wideman signed a five-year deal worth 26 million dollars. The Flames did not give up much to acquire the rights to Wideman, but the contract is a big one.

Sidney Crosby signed a historic deal with the Penguins for 12 years and over 100 million dollars, despite concussion issues and the looming lockout. Zach Parise still has yet to agree to terms with the Devils and if he is still unsigned by July 1st, Parise will hit the UFA market. Once Parise is locked in, the rest of the offensive pieces should fall into place in terms of offseason maneuvers, but teams have wasted no time in securing defensive assets and goaltending.