On the Wings

Defenseman Ric Jackman has reportedly agreed to a multi-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He only played 25 games with the Penguins last season after being dealt from Toronto on February 11th. He had seven goals and 17 assists in those 25 games. “Ric is an important part of our team and was instrumental in our late-season success, especially on the power play,” said general manager Craig Patrick. “We’re extremely pleased to have him under contract as we move forward.”

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Yesterday Darren McCarty played a part in the ground-breaking ceremony for “The Hockeytown Kids Wing.” The wing will be the ICU’s family waiting area. The area will be Red Wings themed and contain memorabilia, murals, etc. and should be completed late this fall. The project is being paid for by proceeds from the Red Wings Wish Club which has generated almost $200,000 for Children’s Hospital of Michigan since 1996.

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Last week Boyd Devereaux agreed to a one-year deal (with an option for a following season) with the Phoenix Coyotes. He will make $650,000 for the first season and if he returns for a second season and reaches certain performance incentive clauses, he could earn up to $1.6 million over the two seasons.

While Devereaux enjoyed his Stanley Cup win with the Wings, his playing time was dwindling and his role on the team started to shrink. �It was disappointing, but I just prefer to think ahead and I have no regrets about my time here,� Devereaux said. �Obviously you want to play, and there are possibilities of that in Phoenix. There just seems to be a chance for a bigger role there.�

He’s looking forward to the new start and challenges that come with a newer team building towards playoff qualifying potential. I�m looking forward to getting out there and getting started,� Devereaux said. �They�ve made some moves recently, moves which are going to help us a lot. I definitely think we�ll be battling for the playoffs, and once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen.�

The Coyotes look to Devereaux as a foundational block on which to build this young club. �Boyd is another young player who brings elite speed to our hockey club,� Coyotes GM Mike Barnett said. �While with the Red Wings, he gained invaluable experience as a member of their Stanley Cup championship team. We believe that Boyd can take on a more expanded offensive role with our hockey club after having played alongside many future Hall of Famers in Detroit. He brings the work ethic that it takes to win consistently in the NHL.”