Free agency is typically used to welcome new players into the fold, as the Oilers and Canucks did, or to be enthusiastic about the prospect of signing a true difference maker, as Flames and Leafs supporters might be tonight.
However, it is also a time of departure, as each of the Nation Network’s four cities lost at least one player to another squad today.
Calgary
Adam Pardy – Signed a two year, $4.0 million contract with Dallas. Newfoundlanders in Southern Alberta (I believe there are one or two) now have one less player to cheer for, as Bonavista’s Adam Pardy left the only NHL organization he’s ever known. Given the dollars involved, it’s probably not a bad thing the Flames let him go.
Edmonton
Sheldon Souray – Signed a one year, $1.65 million contract with Dallas. There was a brief spell, somewhere in between the injuries, the public complaints about management, and the later injuries, when many Oilers fans regarded Studley Wonderbomb as the future captain of the team. Now, he’s one more veteran the city is all too happy to see leave.
Jim Vandermeer – Signed a one year, $1.0 million contract with San Jose. Vandermeer’s time in Edmonton began inauspiciously, as he was acquired in exchange for Patrick O’Sullivan, sparing Phoenix the rouble of buying him out. He struggled early, but played well enough down the stretch that I doubt anyone would have been too upset to see him back in a depth role.
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