The NHL is always slow going in the summer time, but little tidbits come to the surface every now and then to help drag us along until the players hit the ice in the fall.

Teams throughout the league are taking part in Orientation and Development camps for their rookie players, no news comes from these aside form the one off. The Oilers for example took their rookies to the Mountains, and U.S. Army Ranger Lucas Carr led the group of young men for a night into the wild. The players were taken into the back country, and spent the night camping together sleeping under the stars. This was meant as a team building experience and many of the young players came out of it with a whole new respect for the military and one another. This was a unique way for a team to bring their prospects together and teach them the importance of teamwork and team building experiences.

Jeff Petry Signs

Speaking of the Oilers, Craig Mactavish announced on Monday that the Oilers have agreed on a one year contract with RFA Jeff Petry worth $3.075M. The one year term will mean Petry will be a unrestricted costless agent in 2015. Petry was the Oilers number one defenseman this past season, but on a deeper team would be better suited as a 3-4 defender. Petry took on the toughest zone starts, hardest competition.

“It’s nice to have gotten a deal done and be back,” Petry said. “With the way things went last year and the signings that the team has made over the last couple of weeks it’s something that I’m definitely excited to get back for. I think we should be good moving forward.” (oilers.nhl.com)

The one year term makes it even more likely that Petry will be on the move sometime in the near future. Petry has had his name in the trade rumours for awhile now as the Oilers seek a second line center.

Sharks Sign Wingels

The San Jose Sharks announced they have come to terms with RFA Tommy Wingels on a three year deal worth $7.4M. Wingels had 38 points for the Sharks last season includign 16 goals. He is a part of the young up and coming cluster in San Jose, and should continue to see development as a two-way player.

Mike Fisher Injured

Nashville Predators forward Mike Fisher will miss 4-6 months with a torn achilles. Fisher underwent successful surgery on July 3. Fisher is an important cog in the Nashville machine, and right when it looked as though they were getting some depth at center, they lose Fisher until at least November. Last season he scored 49 points for the Predators. The Predators are confident that Fisher will not miss more than the first month of the 2014-15 NHL season.

Predators Sign Anton Volchenkov

The Predators also announced that they have agreed to terms on a one year deal worth $1M. Volchenkov, who was considered one of the best defensive defenceman in the NHL a couple seasons ago, was bought out by the New Jersey Devils this off-season. As with most low-mobility defensive defenders, Volchenkov has seen his effectiveness drop significantly due to age and injuries. This was a low risk deal for the Predators, and Volchenkov can still string together some good games, though he cannot be relied upon as a top 4 defender.

Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray Diagnosed With Cancer

The Ottawa Senators announced on Monday that GM Bryan Murray had been diagnosed with cancer. The type and severity was not announced as Murray and his family have chosen to keep those details to themselves for now. Murray has been a General Manager for 20 seasons in the NHL with Detroit, Anaheim, Florida and of course Ottawa.

The entire hockey world is sending prayers and well wishes to Murray and his family in this tragic time.