Articles by Doug Stolhand

VANCOUVER – The St. Louis Blues tried to get their revenge on the Canucks, but Vancouver avoided losing another forward.The Canucks signed forward Steve Bernier to a US$2.

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Blues got their revenge on the Vancouver Canucks.Just over a week after fighting off an offer sheet from the Canucks on forward David Backes, the Blues returned the favour, signing restricted free agent forward Steve Bernier to a US$2.

The St. Louis Blues have signed restricted free agent forward Steve Bernier to an offer sheet worth $2.5 million for next season. 

The Canucks now have seven days to match the offer or receive St.

Earlier this decade, the Vancouver Canucks trio was one of the NHL’s most feared forward lines.Now Todd Bertuzzi, Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison have all left Vancouver, Morrison the last to go after signing a US$2.

Earlier this decade, the Vancouver Canucks trio was one of the NHL’s most feared forward lines.Now Todd Bertuzzi, Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison have all left Vancouver, Morrison the last to go after signing a US$2.

TORONTO – Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joe Nieuwendyk is returning to the team as a special assistant to the general manager.”Joe is an extremely intelligent individual, who has experienced success throughout his entire hockey career,” GM Cliff Fletcher said in a statement Tuesday.

TORONTO – Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joe Nieuwendyk is returning to the team as a special assistant to the general manager.”Joe is an extremely intelligent individual, who has experienced success throughout his entire hockey career,” GM Cliff Fletcher said in a statement Tuesday.

OTTAWA – The Ottawa Senators needed a defenceman and they were also looking to add some character. They got both in one signing Tuesday.Veteran defenceman Jason Smith, a captain in both Philadelphia and Edmonton, signed a US$5.

OTTAWA – The Ottawa Senators needed a defenceman and they were also looking to add some character. They got both in one signing Tuesday.Veteran defenceman Jason Smith, a captain in both Philadelphia and Edmonton, signed a US$5.

OTTAWA – The Ottawa Senators signed defenceman Jason Smith to a US$5.2-million, two-year contract on Tuesday.The 14-year NHL veteran was an unrestricted free agent.

MONTREAL – The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed goaltender Jaroslav Halak to a US$1.55-million, two-year contract.The backup to Carey Price will earn $750,000 next season and $800,000 in 2009-10.

MONTREAL – The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed goaltender Jaroslav Halak to a US$1.55-million, two-year contract.The backup to Carey Price will earn $750,000 next season and $800,000 in 2009-10.

The Ottawa Senators announced they have signed 34-year-old Jason Smith to a two-year contract.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound defenseman was most recently captain of the Flyers after captaining the Oilers for five seasons.

NEW YORK – The New York Rangers have re-signed veteran defenceman Paul Mara to a US$1.95-million, one-year deal.The 28-year-old was an unrestricted free agent.

NEW YORK – The New York Rangers have re-signed veteran defenceman Paul Mara to a US$1.95-million, one-year deal.The 28-year-old was an unrestricted free agent.

OSLO, Norway – Philadelphia Flyers winger Patrick Thoresen has decided to reject a final contract offer and temporarily return to European hockey.

OSLO, Norway – Philadelphia Flyers winger Patrick Thoresen has decided to reject a final contract offer and temporarily return to European hockey.

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Brendan Morrison had more lucrative offers elsewhere but the chance to win in Anaheim with former Vancouver GM Brian Burke was too good to pass up.

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Brendan Morrison had more lucrative offers elsewhere but the chance to win in Anaheim with former Vancouver GM Brian Burke was too good to pass up.

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Brendan Morrison has been reunited with Brian Burke and Dave Nonis.The 32-year-old centre, an unrestricted free agent, has signed a US$2.