Confirmed with Link: Stars sign Ray Whitney (2 years, $9 million)

[LatvianTwist]

I'm just getting soooo excited to see him and Benn play together (they better). Whitney was a huge reason why Vrbata scored 30, and Benn's got an even better shot and ability to get open.

[The Frugal Gourmet]

Not a bad stop gap, I guess. Not much of a long term commitment or risk.

[Homebrew76]

Originally Posted by glovesave_35

I don't think it changes much to be honest. Nieuwendyk still hasn't done anything yet during his tenure to make us think he is willing to trade good pieces away at the deadline. The only way he trades Ryder is if the team is terrible.

If the Stars are out of the race and Ryder is having another 30 or so goal season, then I can see the B's inquiring about him. Boston made a mistake letting Ryder go as a UFA and they could have used his scoring this past post season. I don't know what they would give up, but I can certianly see them asking what his price would be.

Whitney was a great pick up. If you can get Doan you should have a very strong set of forwards this season.

[KiedisA]

Got to say this feels a lot better after a good sleep.. His contract might have a huge positive vibe say 5 years from now if the young guys pay attention to Whitney in these 2 seasons to come..

But in the possible Whitney - Benn - X -line, the X needs to be someone very "monsteresque" around the net...

[Troy McClure]

I put Loui as that X. They could use a guy to win battles along the boards more than a guy to go to the net.

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by Stars99Lobo37

Wasn't complaining about the fact that we gave Whitney one. Was complaining about the fact that we give every player that signs a contract one.

Ah, okay. Makes sense then.

Pretty much every player gets one these days. Travis Moen got one.

[Modo]

Feeling good about this deal now!

When I first heard it on the radio, they said it was a 4-year deal. I almost crashed my car.

[Mr Misty]

Given the context of the Jiri Hudler (4x4) deal, this is starting to look like quite the signing

[ck26]

Originally Posted by Modo

Feeling good about this deal now!

When I first heard it on the radio, they said it was a 4-year deal. I almost crashed my car.

I love this and the Derek Roy deal. This feels like a Playstation hockey GM deal ... you trade a center rated "80 overall" for some young assets and then immediately sign a UFA rated "78" for basically the same cash. Net result short term is the trade assets (Eakin + 2) for free. This isn't big-money Ryan Suter / Zach Parise stuff, but I think it's really savvy.

[ScubaSteve*]

Great deal. And if Whitney can put up 75 points in Phoenix, he should be able to put up at least 180 points playing with Benn.

[LatvianTwist]

I don't get why Whitney can't put up 70 points again. Similar system, better linemates, and it's not like he aged 5 years in one offseason. I'm sure just as many people said last offseason he'll be lucky to put up 60 points.

[glovesave_35]

Originally Posted by ScubaSteve

Great deal. And if Whitney can put up 75 points in Phoenix, he should be able to put up at least 180 points playing with Benn.

I'd say anything less than 200 would be an abject failure. Your bar is too low for Benn's greatness.