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Viktor Stalberg

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Viktor Stalberg lands two-year deal in Switzerland

By Joey AlfieriJul 11, 2017, 9:20 AM EDT
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It sounds like Viktor Stalberg‘s NHL days are over (for now), as he signed a two-year contract with Swiss League club EV Zug.

Prior to the start of free agency on July 1st, there were rumblings about EV Zug being interested in his services. It took a few days, but they were finally able to agree on a contract.

The 31-year-old picked up 11 goals and 16 points in 75 games with Carolina and Ottawa during the 2016-17 season.

During his time in the NHL, Stalberg also suited up for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators and New York Rangers.

He managed to pile up 82 goals and 168 points in 488 career games. His best season came in 2011-12 when he had 22 goals and 43 points in 79 games with the ‘Hawks.

Stalberg also won the Stanley Cup with Chicago back in 2013.

The fact that he had to head to Switzerland to get a multi-year deal shows just how difficult it’s been for veteran NHLers this off-season.

With EV Zug, he’ll join former NHLers Josh Holden, Raphael Diaz, Carl Klingberg and Jussi Markkanen.

Who’s still left? Here are 10 notable UFAs

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By Jason BroughJul 5, 2017, 1:37 PM EDT
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The oldest: Jaromir Jagr, 45, won’t be returning to the Florida Panthers. But he still wants to play. The future Hall of Famer had 16 goals and 30 assists in 82 games last season.

The most points last season: Thomas Vanek, 33, was reportedly talking with “several teams” on July 1, but no deal yet. Vanek split 2016-17 between Detroit and Florida. The fact he only scored two goals in 20 games for the Panthers may have hurt his value, but he did have 48 points in 68 games overall.

The most goals: Mike Fisher, 37, is apparently considering retirement. But if he decides to keep playing, it’s hard to imagine he signs with anyone but Nashville. Fisher had 18 goals in 72 games last season, then helped the Predators to their first Stanley Cup Final in franchise history.

The most points by a defenseman: Andrei Markov had 36 points (6G, 30A) for Montreal. The Habs would like to bring the 38-year-old back, but GM Marc Bergevin says his final offer has been made. The message to Markov? Take it or leave it.

The most right-shot defenseman: We’ll give this to Cody Franson, the 29-year-old who’s spent the last two years in Buffalo. Franson is no savior, but he’s not too old, and he was pretty productive on the power play during his days with the Maple Leafs.

The most Rocket Richard Trophies: Jarome Iginla, 40, is still unsigned. The two-time leading goalscorer in the NHL scored just 14 times last season for Colorado. He wants to keep playing, but it remains to be seen if he’ll get an offer he likes.

The most to prove: That would be Shane Doan, 40, after being cut loose by the Arizona Coyotes. Doan had just six goals in 74 games, but apparently some teams are interested.

The most fast (a.k.a. the fastest): Viktor Stalberg can still fly at 31 years old, and he’s got plenty of postseason experience to boot. The Ottawa Senators would like to keep him, and he’d like to stay. But the two sides have yet to reach a deal, so he may have to look elsewhere.

The most under-30: Among regular NHLers last season, 24-year-old defenseman Nikita Nesterov is the youngest UFA. He became an unrestricted free agent after the Canadiens chose not to extend a qualifying offer.

The most points by an under-30 UFA: That honor belongs to 26-year-old forward Alex Chiasson, who was cut loose by the Calgary Flames after registering 12 goals and 12 assists in 81 games.

Who’s left in NHL free agency? Radulov, Kovalchuk among biggest names

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By James O'BrienJul 1, 2017, 10:25 PM EDT
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NHL teams were generally reasonable with money (and especially term) during Day 1 of free agency.

You can see a list of the signings here.

As usual, not every situation was resolved at the first opportunity. PHT’s here to share some of the most noteworthy names still remaining in free agency. Cap Friendly is a helpful source for remaining UFA’s, you can see comprehensive lists at this spot.

Generally speaking, there are still some solid choices at forward – assuming there aren’t too many KHL departures – while defensemen are mostly on the creaky side and goalies are tough to come by.

Forwards

The latest rumblings are that the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens are jockeying for the resurgent Russian’s services. Radulov himself shared a cryptic message about his future.

  • Ilya Kovalchuk

The 34-year-old sniper’s “wishlist” apparently includes Toronto, Columbus and the Rangers, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.

It’s unclear where the 45-year-old might land, but every indication is that he won’t return to the Florida Panthers.

TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that the Sharks, Maple Leafs, Stars, and Ducks are in the running to land Marleau.

Defensemen

Not much new is known about the veteran defenseman, though it sounds like he’s at a bit of an impasse with Montreal. At least there’s this, if you consider making one too many old jokes:

Goalies

(Yeah, not much going with goalies.)

Sens’ Stalberg drawing interest from Swiss League

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By Mike HalfordJun 29, 2017, 10:35 AM EDT

Viktor Stalberg, the veteran forward that was part of Ottawa’s recent playoff run, has reportedly landed on the radar of National League A outfit EV Zug.

Per Swiss Hockey News, club manager Reto Klay confirmed interest in Stalberg, saying he is “among the candidates” to be signed by the team this summer.

Stalberg, 31, split last season between the ‘Canes and Sens, combining to score 11 goals and 16 points in 57 games. He’s previously spent time with the Rangers, Predators, Blackhawks and Maple Leafs, recording a career-high 22 goals and 43 points with Chicago in ’11-12.

He was also part of the ‘Hawks team that captured the Stanley Cup in 2013.

Stalberg has played each of the last two seasons on one-year deals, and it’ll be interesting to see if he lands another one — or, potentially, try and secure a longer-term deal overseas.

Sens extend McCormick — two years, $1.3 million

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By Mike HalfordJun 27, 2017, 10:57 AM EDT

Looks as though forward Max McCormick has a future in Ottawa.

On Tuesday, the Sens signed McCormick to a two-year extension worth $650,000 annually — and, perhaps most importantly, it’s a one-way deal in the second year.

McCormick, 25, also has a $250,000 guaranteed AHL salary next season.

The deal comes after he set a career high and tied for the AHL Binghamton team lead in goals last year, with 21. McCormick also appeared in seven games for Ottawa — this after playing 20 in ’15-16 — and emerged as a high-energy guy with an edge to his game.

Despite not being overly big (5-foot-11, 188 pounds), McCormick fought seven times for Binghamton last season, and led the team in penalty minutes. The year prior, he scrapped 12 times between the Sens and Baby Sens.

A spot at the NHL level could soon materialize. The Sens have already announced they’re moving on from free agent forward Chris Neil, and the futures of fellow UFAs Viktor Stalberg, Chris Kelly and Tommy Wingels remain uncertain.