NHL Signings: Sebastian Aho, Mark Barberio, David Rittich

NHL Signings: Sebastian Aho Signs Entry-Level Contract with Carolina Hurricanes, Mark Barberio Re-Signs with Montreal Canadians, David Rittich Signs 1-Year Deal With Calgary Flames

Offseason has officially begun, and less than 24 hours after the Pittsburgh Penguins emerged Stanley Cup Champions, we already have several NHL signings to announce – a theme we can get used to as the Draft and Free Agency loom just around the corner.

Monday’s NHL signings are somewhat insignificant other than Aho signing his ELC with Carolina.

It shouldn’t be long before we see RFAs with new contracts, or being traded. Many GMs are likely waiting until the expansion announcement on June 22nd, while at the same time holding out to get a better read on next season’s salary cap situation.

With rumors the cap could fall or remain the same, many teams such as Anaheim (RFAs Hampus Lindholm, Sami Vatanen, Frederik Andersen, Rickard Rakell, etc.) will be forced to make difficult decisions.

Aho Signs ELC

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As noted, of the three NHL signings today, Finnish prospect Sebastian Aho tops the list signing his entry-level deal with the Hurricanes. His contract carries an annual cap hit of $832,500 dollars with the big club.

via Sportsnet,“Sebastian is regarded as one of the top prospects in hockey and is ready to begin his North American career,” Francis said. “He had a tremendous season as an 18-year-old playing against men in Finland’s top league, and was outstanding in international competitions including the recent World Championship. He will play an important role for the Hurricanes moving forward.”

For those who may not remember, Aho was the third key piece on that Patrik Laine – Jesse Puljujarvi line that dominated at the World Juniors in 2016.

A former 2nd rounder for Carolina, Sebastian Aho has developed into one of the NHL’s top prospects.

Don’t be surprised if he not only cracks the Canes roster out of training camp, but also throw his name in the hat for Calder Trophy consideration.

Barberio Re-Signs with Hometown Canadiens

Jan 26, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mark Barberio (45) skates during the warmup period before the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Flames Sign Czech Goaltender

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The final signing of the day should have some scratching their head. Calgary Flames signed 23-year-old Czech netminder David Rittich. Not that Rittich wasn’t on a few teams radar, but there are at least two international goaltenders of better quality.

The age likely plays a major factor, although it is merely a one-year contract for Rittich. If the Flames wanted to sign a netminder for one year, why not Mikko Koskinen or Dominik Furch (both in their mid-to-late 20s)?

The only logical answer is that Calgary thinks Rittich has long-term potential, and at least the organization has leverage to negotiate a new contract if they like what they see in AHL Stockton in 2016-17.

via Sportsnet,The 23-year-old spent the past two seasons with BK Mlada Boleslav in the Czech elite league.Rittich’s record in 2015-16 was 26-22-0 with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage.The six-foot-four, 202-pound netminder agreed to a two-way deal with the Flames.

Next: Social Media Reacts to Losing Mr.Hockey, Gordie Howe

In reality, these NHL signings are merely peanuts in contrast to the wild summer of signings and trades that fans should be gearing up for.

Consider this the calm before the storm. Once that first major domino falls (whether it be Bob Murray in Anaheim, Joe Sakic in Colorado, or Peter Chiarelli in Edmonton), the floodgates will open for what should be one of the busiest offseason’s in recent memory.

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