The Buffalo Sabres announced the signing of goaltender Jocelyn Thibault to a one-year contract.

A former starter, Thibault spent the last two seasons backing up Marc-Andre Fleury in Pittsburgh, and last season proved himself quite capable spelling off Fleury when the young netminder would occasionally falter.

Sabres GM Darcy Regier obviously wasn't comfortable with Ty Conklin backing up Ryan Miller for another season. The last thing the Sabres need is for the wiry Miller to be overworked before the playoffs. Bringing in Thibault gives them a quality backup with plenty of experience who can spell off miller for 25-30 games next season.  

The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers have pillaged each other’s roster via unrestricted free agency this summer.

Having signed former Rangers defenseman Karel Rachunek earlier this week the Devils on Thursday signed former Ranger backup goalie Kevin Weekes to a two-year, $1.375 million contract.

It’s obvious Devils GM Lou Lamoriello is concerned that too much playing time may be wearing down franchise player Martin Brodeur, who played in 78 games last season which may have contributed to his uneven performance in this year’s playoffs.

Brodeur will probably still see considerable playing time but Weekes, an experienced, reliable backup, should allow Brodeur the opportunity for more rest during the season, perhaps cutting him back from 70-plus games to a more reasonable 60-65.

The Calgary Flames signed veteran blueliner Anders Eriksson to a two-year contract. This’ll be the sixth NHL team for the much-traveled Eriksson and could be considered a replacement for Andrei Zyuzin, whom the Flames dealt to Chicago last month for Adrian Aucoin.

The Columbus Blue Jackets signed former Edmonton Oilers blueliner Jan Hejda to a two-year contract.

Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson obviously like what he saw of Hejda last season when Howson was assistant GM of the Oilers.

The Anaheim Ducks signed UFA defenseman Shane Hnidy to a two-year contract.