The NHL Free Agent Frenzy Winners and Losers

Crib Notes from Day One of the 2016 Free Agent Frenzy

I might explore earlier free agent signings before July 1st on another day but let's just start with what's in the news today. Back-up goalies! Long-term contracts! Lotsa Money!

Who needs a back-up goalie? Apparently seven teams.

Captains on the Move? Hall, Backes, Ladd, Eric Staal, I appreciate Hall's 'Good Soldier' quote and I predict better things for him in New Jersey, like winning.

Who needs a long-term contract? 8 players apparently want that stability of the long-term deal, no matter which team it is.

Who got the best deal? - I think Dallas grabbing Dan Hamhuis for an already deep defensive corps and powerful offense is a steal. Surprised/not surprised Vancouver let the home town boy go.

Who took the biggest chance? Undoubtedly the Montreal Canadians. PK Subban gone, Price still yet to show he's game-ready then they go and pay $5 million for most likely a one and done Radulov season.

Marc Bergevin?

Other Teams

Carolina Hurricanes (-) They added 'Suitcase' Stempniak and Victor Stalberg. Nothing to see here, move along.

Columbus Blue Jackets (+) retained Seth Jones long term, so that's something to cheer about.

New Jersey Devils (+) The addition of Taylor Hall and Ben Lovejoy are noteworthy additions to a team that surprised a lot of people last year. Add in Smith-Peille resigning and the Devils should have a good year.

New York Islanders (-) Lost Kyle Oksposo and Matt Martin but gained an aging Andrew Ladd and Jason Chimera. Leadership counts, just not in hockey pools.

That's Gerbe on the right...

New York Rangers (-) Lost Keith Yandle, gained Nathan Gerbe and Michael Grabner which combined make up one Zdeno Chara, only without the toughness.

Philadelphia Flyers (0) Dale Weise and Radko Gudas. stereotypical Flyers, no big deal.

Pittsburgh Penguins (0) Why bother? If it ain't broke...

Washington Capitals (0) Brent Connolly signed but ... no big deal.

Boston Bruins (0) David Backes was destined to be a Bruin while Louis Eriksson was not. Don't think this will change matters much in Beantown though.

Buffalo Sabres (+) Kyle Okposo helps a little. But only a little. Same problem as Edmonton. Where's the all-star D-man?

Detroit Red Wings (-) Steve Ott seems to be bouncing around a lot these last few years. He's no Pavel Datysuk. Then again, neither is Thomas Vanek.

Florida Panthers (+) James Reimer in net for the later years. That's some insurance.

Montreal Canadiens (-) So they get rid of an offensive defenseman for a solid defensive one and bring in Radulov who is an offensive talent to be on a defensive-minded team. Don't see this working out long term.

Ottawa Senators (0) Who?

Tampa Bay Lightning (+) Steve Stamkos, Victor Hedman both signed for long-term and they are laughing until next year. The new Chicago Blackhawks salary cap problems, ladies and gentlemen.

Toronto Maple Leafs (0) Matt Martin brought in to 'protect' Austin Mathews no doubt and that's all. They also brought in Anaheim's goalie who had the same numbers as Bernier so ... here's to another 'goaltending controversy' for the Shanaplan.

Chicago Blackhawks (0) no game changers, but hey, they don't need'm. Brian Campbell becomes token aging veteran as per typical Blackhawk agenda.

Colorado Avalanche (0) Nothing to see here, business as usual.

Dallas Stars (+) Dan Hamhuis is pretty underrated in my opinion. Steal of a deal for Dallas.

Minnesota Wild (+) Eric Staal for Thomas Vanek. Small bump up in heart and average age.

Nashville Predators (+) first they get PK Subban and then they sign Yannik Weber to confuse casual fans about the rumours Shea Weber was traded.

St. Louis Blues (-) lost Backes, Elliot, Brouwer and Shattenkirk is apparently still up for grabs.

Winnipeg Jets (0) Nothing to see here. Yet.

Anaheim Ducks (-) lost one of their goalies to the Leafs. Still relying on an aging corps and no Bruce Boudreau anymore. Don't expect a repeat of last year under Randy Caryle.

Phoenix Coyotes (0) Their 26 yr old GM has yet to do anything substantial. Nobody returning his calls perhaps?

Calgary Flames (+) New coach, two new ex-blues in Elliot and Brouwer and another capable back-up in Chad Johnson to compete with Kari Ramo.

Lucic and McDavid, ready to play.

Edmonton Oilers (0) This is the most analyzed team the last couple of days and I am going to even-stevens this one. Although they signed Lucic to ride out the the end of his career with the Oilers, taking on the Messier to McDavid's Gretzky, he's ten years older than most of the young guns. They also traded Taylor Hall and still don't have a bona-fide #1 goalie or all-star defenseman.

Los Angeles Kings (-) I don't know what Sutter is thinking, but they have Quick, Brown, Doughty and Kopitar still. This is the type of corps Edmonton (and all teams) need.

San Jose Sharks (0) If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Vancouver Canucks (-) They lost Hamhuis, still have an aging Miller in net, and then pick up Louis Eriksson who is also nearing the end of his prime scoring days to play with the Sedins for the next six years. This would have been a great line five years ago. But today, it reeks of desperation.