Big trade ushers in NHL free-agent season

An old-fashioned trade upstaged the anticipation of the NHL's free-agent shopping season. Looking to clear space under the salary cap, the New York Rangers shipped top center Scott Gomez to the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday for forward Chris Higgins as part of a six-player trade. The Canadiens are now responsible for the five years and $33.5 million left on the seven-year deal the Rangers gave Gomez two summers ago to pry him away from the rival New Jersey Devils. New York can use the $7.35 million of cap space freed up by Gomez's departure to try to add much-needed offense. Higgins is a start. Could a trade for disgruntled Ottawa forward Dany Heatley, or the signing of impending free agents such as Marian Hossa (Detroit) or Marian Gaborik (Minnesota) be far behind? Those guys can begin fielding offers from any NHL team... [read full story]                    

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