NHL News: Ducks, Penguins, Blue Jackets and Panthers
The Anaheim Ducks signed defenseman Francois Beauchemin
On the Anaheim Ducks …

Renaud Lavoie: The Anaheim Ducks signed defenseman Francois Beauchemin to a one-year deal for $1 million base salary with up to around $500,000 in performance bonuses.

Matt Larkin: “I don’t see Beauchemin fitting into the Ducks’ long-term plans. D-corps is stacked. He’s just insurance while Vatanen/Lindholm heal.”

Curtis Zupke: Beauchemin said that Ducks GM Bob Murray called him on Saturday. Beauchemin had spoken with other teams, but he wasn’t interested in moving his family to an unfamiliar city.

On the Pittsburgh Penguins …

Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins signed restricted free agent forward Jean-Sebastien Dea to a one-year, two-way contract worth $650,000. Dea could fill in for the departed Matt Cullen as the Penguins fourth line center.

“I am fast,” Dea said when asked to describe his game. “I can be physical as well. I can put the puck in the net. I’ve had some good numbers the last couple of seasons. Also I can play wing, help on power play and maybe the penalty kill, depending on what the Penguins want me to do.”

On the Columbus Blue Jackets …

Cap Friendly: The Columbus Blue Jackets signed Doyle Somerby to a two-year entry-level contract. The NY Islanders previously held Somerby’s rights. He became a free agent on August 15th.

Arthur Staple: Believe that the Islanders offered Somerby an AHL deal.

On the Florida Panthers …

George Richards of the Miami Herald: Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon announced that defenseman Nikolai Belov will attend their training camp on a PTO. Belov could bring the Panthers some much need depth on the blue line.

George Richards of the Miami Herald: Roberto Luongo is back training. Luongo had missed the last six weeks of the season with hip issues.

“It’s good to be able to get back to my regular summer training program. This is my second week … everything feels great and I haven’t had any issues. That’s good.

“It’s comforting mentally to know I can go through a rigorous workout and go all out and not have any issues nor think about it. That’s a big first step for me after going through the ups-and-downs of having to deal with my issue last year. It’s nice to have that piece of mind.”