People Who Like Their Current Employer and Those Who Don't

For those of us that don't have any particular rooting interest in these Conference Finals, including yours truly, there are some news and notes to catch up on about the other 26 NHL teams (yes, they do exist) that have moved on to bigger and better things. Mostly, teams are starting to address contract issues. People Who Like Their Current Employer: Scottie Upshall reups with the Flyers for $2.45 million over two years. Probably the first of many signings this summer for Philly, who looks to have a canyon sized amount of cap space. Alexei Ponikarovsky signed a three-year contract extension with the Maple Leafs, he'll make $1.575 million next year. That figure rises to $2.24 and $2.5 million in the following years. Ian White also signed a three-year extension with the Leafs, valued at $850,000. Wade Dubielewicz, the suprise star of the New York Islanders late season run to the playoffs signed a one-year deal with the team, which most likely signals the end of Mike Dunham's return.

Scott Gomez Tom Hanson/CP

People Who Don't Like Their Current Employer:

• The Montreal Gazette is reporting that Alexander Perezhogin has signed a contract with Salavat Yulayev Ufa of the Russian Super League valued at $1.7 million USD.

People Who Are Undecided:

• Scott Gomez, who will be a UFA come July 1, is going to test the free agency waters. "We have gone this far, it would be foolish not to see what's out there," he said. "That doesn't mean anything. It doesn't mean I am leaning one way or I don't want to be here." The Devils are going to have a tough decision with Gomez, as they are going have very little cap space again this summer. Last August Gomez was awarded a one-year $5 million deal through arbitration and the Devils were forced to cut costs before the season started. Chances are the Devils won't bite at the asking price this summer as it will be well in excess of that figure, and instead using the money to sign impending UFA Bryan Rafalski and a slew of RFAs.