Speaking of Suspensions...

Maybe the higher-ups of the NFL should take some lessons from the NHL, a role model in terms of unbiasedly suspending players and handing out punishment for reckless play.

In suspending Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan three games for a late and blindside hit to the head of Ducks forward Dan Sexton, the NHL declared it is serious about punishing dangerous hits to the head.

Sanctioning Doan, known as rugged but clean, was meant as a warning to fourth-liners and superstars that NHL justice will be blind.

Doan's open-ice, neutral-zone hit after Sexton released a pass during the third period of the Ducks' 3-2 victory Sunday wasn't penalized by the referees, but the NHL can review any play and impose supplementary discipline. Colin Campbell, the NHL's director of hockey operations, said he and fellow executives who monitor every game debated the hit when it was delivered. That Sexton wasn't injured was "fortunate" but beside the point.

NHL Wrap-up

After a long and unnecessary hiatus the NHL wrap-ups are back, and I'm just going to get right down to business.

First up, Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils issued a revised contract to the NHL and have finally come to an agreement, some five weeks after the initial rejection. The new deal is 15 years, $100 million. The league came to an agreement with the NHL Players Association "on an amendment covering long-term contracts." Also, as part of the agreement, the NHL has agreed to stop looking into the long-term contracts of Chris Pronger, Roberto Luongo, Marc Savard and Marian Hossa according to ESPN.com. You can read the full story here.

The San Jose Sharks inked a new goalie, Antti Niemi. Niemi is coming of a Stanley Cup Championship with the Blackhawks and will be paired up with fellow Finnish goaltender, Antero Nittymaki, who was signed on the first day of free agency this off-season. Niemi and the Sharks agreed on a one-year deal worth $2 million.

Jonathan Cheechoo was invited to attend tryouts at the Star's training camp. Cheechoo, 30, played the 2009-2010 season with the Ottawa Senators, notching 14 points in 61 games played.

Other Notable Signings :

Mike Comrie: C From: Edmonton To: Pittsburgh - 1 yr. deal.
2009-2010 stats: 13 G, 8 A, 21 PTS

Carey Price: G Re-signed with Montreal
2009-2010 stats: 13-20-5 2.77 GAA, .912 SV%

Chris Stewart: RW Re-signed with Colorado - 2 yr. deal worth $5.75 million
2009-2010 stats: 28 G, 36 A, 64 PTS

Lee Stempniak: RW Re-signed with Phoenix - 2 yr. deal worth $3.8 million
2009-2010 stats: 28 G, 20 A, 48 PTS

Patric Hornqvist: RW Re-signed with Nashville - 3 yr. deal worth $9.25 million
2009-2010 stats: 30 G, 21 A, 51 PTS