The summer has already seen many major changes taking place in the NHL.
One of the biggest involved the Philadelphia Flyers, who shipped Mike Richards to the Los Angeles Kings. Not only did they trade a skilled, two-way player, but the Kenora native was also the team captain. It leaves the door open to possibly making Dryden defenceman Chris Pronger the new person wearing the ''C''
The acquisition of a player like Richards makes the Kings that much stronger, possibly even Cup contenders.
Another Richards, Brad, (no relation) is headed to the Rangers. He's the latest high-scoring forward to take the money and move the big lights of Manhattan. The price was steep, $60 million over nine years, but he will put up the offensive production necessary in the Big Apple.
Montreal was busy, signing power-forward Erik Cole away from the Carolina Hurricanes. It was apparent in their first -round loss to Boston the Habs needed more strength up front.
Other moves of note, included the Leafs acquiring centre Tim Connolly from Buffalo, future hall of famer Jaromir Jagr returning from Russia to play with the Flyers and of course the biggest change of all, hockey returning to Winnipeg.
There are plenty of discussion points to keep you occupied while roasting marshmallows this summer.
