July 4 Hockey News: Lockout-protected contracts, debating Frans

Greetings, dear reader. It's a big holiday in the U.S. May all of your digits remain intact.

Islanders Reads

• Yes, Andrew Ladd's contract is not only front-loaded but (signing) bonus-heavy, which essentially makes it pretty immune to the next lockout. [Post]
• (So is Milan Lucic's, and several others). [Edmonton Journal]
• Dan had several thoughts (22 is a golden number) thoughts on the free agency aftermath, but you may also ignore them and rehash the same old fights. [LHH]
• Reading this early? Between diaper changes, Arthur Staple is on SiriusXM at 8:45 a.m this morning. [@StapeNewsday]
• But either way, here Staple is discussing the offseason moves on local TV. [News12]
• Questions and questions and stuff with the Isles' moves. [Post]
• Frans Nielsen should address some Red Wings' needs. [Detroit News]
• And yet he's more of the same, which is not good enough. (But then, ain't that the issue with UFA? The stars aren't out there.) [Windsor Star]
• Like Carl Hagelin before him, Michael Grabner is no finisher but his speed and PK work should help the Rangers. [Post]
• More on that Coliseum Rebirth backyard. [NY Isles Blog]
• Congrats to newlywed Aaron Ness. [Twitter]
• Former Sound Tiger (and one-game Isles scapegoat) Taylor Beck signs with the Oilers. [Twitter]
• A look at the Metro's performance in free agency. [All About the Jersey]

Elsewhere

• Dealing with the possibility the Oilers both made themselves better and yet are still stupid. [Copper & Blue]
• Meanwhile, similar discontent in Montreal. [Habs Eyes on the Prize]
• That was quick: Patrik Laine has already signed his ELC with the Jets. [AIH]
• It's weird that the trade of P.K. Subban appeared to be some sort of "chemistry over talent" move, yet then over here you have them signing Alexander Radulov. [NHL]