2nd most exciting time of the year...

It has been a crazy day for signings on the free agent market. There have been quite a few former college hockey players moving around and signing free agent deals. First off; former Miami star and power forward Ryan Jones will not get a chance to play for the Minnesota Wild, big shock here. I think this might come back to haunt the Wild.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Marek Zidlicky is on the move.

The Minnesota Wild acquired the 31-year-old defenceman from the Nashville Predators on Tuesday for prospect Ryan Jones and a second-round draft pick.

Zidlicky had spent his entire NHL career with the Predators.

The former Czech Olympian had five goals and 43 points in 79 games with the Preds last season.

Jones was a fifth-round pick in 2004 by Minnesota. He was the leading scorer for Miami University of Ohio last season before signing a pro contract and playing four playoff games with Houston of the American Hockey League.

"Ryan Jones is a big and powerful young forward that adds size and skill to our organization," said Nashville GM David Poile.

It looks like T.J. Oshie will never get a chance to play with former Minnesota State University Mankato star (now probably former St Louis Blue player) David Backus. According to TSN Backus has been signed to a nice offer sheet by the Vancover Canucks. I guess in a way it is surprising he signed for that much money.

Vancover 7/1/2008 -- The Vancouver Canucks are the first team out of the gate in the restricted free agent market signing forward David Backes to a three-year $7.5 million offer sheet.

The St. Louis Blues have seven days to match the offer or he goes to Vancouver. The Blues would then receive a second-round pick as compensation.

Backes, 24, was selected by Blues 62nd overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

In 121 games with St. Louis, he has 23 goals and 54 points.

In the been there and done that category; former Wisconsin Star Curtis Joseph is going back to the Toronto Maple Leafs again.

SPORTSNET.CA -- Toronto Maple Leaf fans can expect at least one familiar face next season. Sources are telling Sportsnet that goaltender Curtis Joseph has agreed to a one-year deal with his former club.

Joseph spent four solid seasons with the Leafs, from 1998-2002 but left via free agency when he signed with the Detroit Red Wings.

In nine appearances with the Calgary Flames last season, Joseph went 3-2 as a back-up to Miikka Kiprusoff.

Former Badger Rene Bourque is headed to the Calgary Flames.

SPORTSNET.CA -- The Calgary Flames have acquired left winger Rene Bourque from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a conditional second round draft choice, the team announced Tuesday.

"Rene is a young player with size who will play in our top nine forwards," Flames general manager Darryl Sutter said. "He will be an important part of the remaking of our left side along with other young players already under contract."

Bourque, a native of Lac La Biche, AB, completed his third season with the Blackhawks in 07-08, recording 24 points from 10 goals and 14 assists. The 6’3", 213lb winger has notched 75 points in 183 career NHL games. Bourque was originally signed as a free agent by Chicago on July 29, 2004 following a four year career with the University of Wisconsin (WCHA). He played his first year of professional hockey in 04-05 with Chicago’s AHL affiliate in Norfolk where he established team highs in goals (33), assists (27) and points (60). For his efforts, Bourque was named to the AHL All-Star Game and was the recipient of the Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL’s most outstanding rookie

The Edmonton Oilers have been really busy today as they made their third trade in past few days sending former Clarkson and Carolina star Eric Cole to the Oiles.

THE CANADIAN PRESS -- The Oilers acquired winger Erik Cole and centre Gilbert Brule in separate trades on Tuesday.

Cole arrives from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Joni Pitkanen. The 29-year-old Cole had spent his entire career in Carolina and helped that team to its seven-game Stanley Cup win over the Oilers in 2006.

Brule was drafted sixth overall by Columbus in 2005 and has yet to develop into a consistent NHL player. He comes to Edmonton in exchange for rugged winger Raffi Torres.

The Oilers have made three trades in a matter of days. They acquired defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky from Los Angeles on Sunday in exchange for forward Jarret Stoll and defenceman Matt Greene.

Cole had 22 goals and 51 points in 73 games for Carolina last season. He leaves the Hurricanes with the third-best franchise total in goals (129) and sixth-best total in points (280).

Brule is coming off a year in which he had just one goal and nine points in 61 games for the Jackets.

Torres had been with Edmonton since 2004 and was limited to just 32 games last season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a game in December.

Pitkanen lasted just one season with the Oilers after coming over in a trade from Philadelphia last summer. He had eight goals and 26 points in 63 games.

Fomer UNH goaltender Ty Conklin is getting a new deal to play in Detroit.

DETROIT -- Also Tuesday, the Red Wings agreed to terms with goaltender Ty Conklin on a $750,000, one-year contract.

Former Saint Cloud State star and ex-Pittsburgh Penguin Ryan Malone got a huge deal with the Tampa Bay Lighting. Ryan Malone was acquired via trade with Pittsburgh - June 29; Signed a seven-year, $31.5 million contract on June 30