Giggy stays put, etc.

1) Biggest news of the day is that the Anaheim Ducks have come to terms with impending UFA goalie J.S Giguere. The top back stop of the Cup champs, and the player whom FAUXRUMORS believed deserved the Conn Smythe award signed a 4 year, 24 million deal. As predicted by this blog 2 weeks ago, Giguere stays put! Six million for the only top potential UFA goalie is definitely a home town discount. The Montreal native could have easily received 7+ million had he decided to go on the free market July 1st.
http://newfaux.blogspot.com/2007/06/early-free-agent-analysisrumors-part-i.html#links
2) Other news of the day is the Florida Panthers have apparently signed impending RFA Nathan Horton to a six year, 24 million dollar deal. Unlike Hartnell, Horton at 22 has already eclipsed the 30 goal plateau, has even more offensive upside, and as such probably a good investment long term.
3) The ramifications of these two deals?

• For those, who a couple of months ago, were speculating that next years RFA's Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin may sign extensions for about 6 million per will have to reassess that idea. If Horton, who is older than AO and The Kid, can get 4 million, how much should a player who has scored 98 NHL goals in 2 years, or the reigning Ross/Hart trophy winner receive? Even if the two give the proverbial 'home town discount' a salary in the neighborhood of 7-8+ million may be required. Any less and the NHLPA(what there is left of it) and all player agents will be clamouring/be quite unhappy!
• As for the Giguere deal several repercussions are likely. For one the Wild now are in a great position with respect to trading Manny Fernandez. With their signing of Niklas Backstrom to a 2 year 3.1 mil deal, it made former starter Manny Fernandez, and his 2 years remaining at 4.5 mil expendable. Before the recent deals it wasn't likely that Wild GM Doug Risebrough would find any takers. However with Giguere off the market, and a huge dearth in quality tenders available, its now more likely that the Wild will find a taker for the 9 million left on Manny's deal. Phoenix and theit new GM Don Maloney are one of the likely/possible destination.
• Also with Gigueres deal, it frees up the Ducks to possibly shop Ilya Bryzgalov and his 1.4 million designated for next season. However Brian Burke may decide to keep Ilya as relatively cheap insurance in case JS goes down with an injury. Or retain him and trade him during the season as a need arises. Clearly Burke is in the drivers seat on that one.

4) Clearly things are still quite in flux and many more signings/deals are soon to come in the next 24 hours. Its an exciting time to be a hockey blogger. We will stay abreast of all the developments as they arise. As always, keep it here for all the latest!