Surprise! Iggy pops up in Boston

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This article was published 06/07/2013 (4834 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

NHL teams made a big splash on the first day of free agency with a slew of signings and some trades.

Less than a year after the league’s latest lockout, many teams spent big bucks on free agents despite knowing they will have to deal with a smaller salary cap next season.

Jarome Iginla signed a one-year deal with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Bruins on Friday night. The longtime Calgary Flames and short-time Pittsburg Penguins forward will make $1.8 million guaranteed and can make up to $6 million.

The Columbus Blue Jackets were among the big spenders, signing Nathan Horton to a $37.1 million, seven-year contract.

Detroit, like Columbus, is heading to the Eastern Conference next season. The Red Wings made moves to try to extend their post-season streak to 23 and reach the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since 2009.

The Red Wings also agreed to terms on a $24.5 million, five-year contract with 30-year-old centre Stephen Weiss.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, coming off their first post-season appearance since 2004, also made a statement by signing New Jersey Devils forward David Clarkson to a $36.75 million, seven-year deal and keeping first-line centre Tyler Bozak with a $21 million, five-year deal.

Tampa Bay, which cleared the salary cap by buying out 33-year-old Vincent Lecavalier, agreed to a $25 million, five-year deal with 29-year-old centre Valtteri Filppula to essentially replace its captain.

A lot of other teams also made moves to jockey for position in the parity-filled league:

— The Phoenix Coyotes, with a new owner, signed forward Mike Ribeiro to a $22 million, four-year contract.

— The New Jersey Devils signed forward Ryane Clowe to a five-year, $24.25 million contract, and forward Michael Ryder to a two-year, $7 million deal.

— The Philadelphia Flyers gave captain Claude Giroux an eight-year extension worth over $64 million and signed Chicago’s backup goalie Ray Emery to a one-year deal.

— The Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks re-signed defenceman Michal Rozsival and forward Michal Handzus.

— The Nashville Predators signed Chicago forward Viktor Stalberg to a $12 million, four-year deal.

— The Edmonton Oilers signed former Bruins defenceman Andrew Ference to a $13 million, four-year contract.

— The Associated Press