On the eve of free agency frenzy, the most exciting hockey offseason date, I will take a look at the transactions that have taken place since the draft. Most of them have been resignings by the players' respective teams but players moved at the draft have also signed with new teams. A few trades have taken place as well as a couple of buyouts.
Signings:
Christian Djoos-Washington Capitals: 2 years, $1.3M
The former seventh-round draft pick put up 58 points in 66 games with the Hershey Bears last year and may push to crack the Capitals' roster.
Chad Ruhwedel-Pittsburgh Penguins: 2 years, $1.3M
Ruhwedel proved a good depth player for Pittsburgh along the way to their cup appearing in six playoff games ahead of veterans like Mark Streit.
Alex Broadhurst-Columbus Bluejackets: 1 year, $660K
At 24 years old and only producing 25 points in the AHL it is probably too late for Broadhurst to make the NHL but he can be a solid career AHL player.
Kris Russell-Edmonton Oilers: 4 years, $16M
Kris Russell is a very underrated defenceman and helped Edmonton last season collecting their first playoff birth in over a decade. He is the NHL shot-blocking king always leading the league in that category and it is about time Russell finally gets a multi-year big bucks contract for what he does.
TJ Oshie-Washington Capitals: 8 years, $46M
The shootout specialist signed a massive contract to stay in DC and play along some of the best forwards in the league. Oshie is always good for at least 50 points and at $5.75 million the deal is good for the first couple years. Oshie will be 38 when the contract ends so by that point the Capitals will want to move on.
Patrick Eaves-Anaheim Ducks: 3 years, $9.45M
Eaves came on last season with a career high 32 goals but at age 33 will he be able to produce at this rate for another year or was it fluke? The first year of the contract could be a steal but the last two years could make the deal not worth it.
Ben Chiarot-Winnipeg Jets: 2 years, $2.8M
Chiarot has been a reliable depth player the last three years in Winnipeg so bringing him back for two more years does no harm at a cheap price.
Andy Andreoff-Los Angeles Kings: 2 years, $1.355M
In his short 114-game career Andreoff has only managed to score 10 goals and on a team in LA that struggles to score goals he may not be the best fit. At such a cheap cap though he will be a good depth player for them.
Korbinian Holzer-Anaheim Ducks: 2 years, $1.8M
Holzer will continue to be an AHL player or provide depth over the next two season in Anaheim but it may be better for the Ducks to go after someone younger.
Derek Ryan-Carolina Hurricanes: 1 year, $1.425M
Ryan played his first full season in the NHL last year at age 29 and produced solid numbers with 29 points in 67 games. Signing him for less than $1.5 million is a good bargain for an up-and-coming Hurricanes team.
Trevor Carrick-Carolina Hurricanes: 1 year, $670K
Carrick is another one of Carolina's defensive prospects from the stacked defensive prospect pool and 2018 may be the year he finally cracks their roster.
Andrej Sustr-Tampa Bay Lightning: 1 year, $1.95M
Sustr will continue to bring his massive frame to the folds of Tampa Bay's defence for another season at a very reasonable price of $1.95M. Watch for his role to be bigger this year after the departure of Jason Garrison in the expansion draft.
Yanni Gourde-Tampa Bay Lightning: 2 years, $2M
With all of Tampa's injuries last season, Gourde got a taste of the NHL playing in 20 games and producing a solid eight points in those contests. With the departure of Jonathan Drouin, Gourde might have a full-time spot next year.
Mark McNeill-Dallas Stars: 1 year, $660K
At age 24 with only two NHL games of experience it looks like the former first-round pick will spend his hockey career in the AHL suiting up for Texas next year.
Esa Lindell-Dallas Stars: 2 years, $4.4M
Lindell was second on the Stars' defensive core in points last year as the youngster played his way into a top-four role with Dallas in his first full season. With the addition of Marc Methot, Lindell won't have to carry as heavy of a load in his sophomore season.
Zack Kassian-Edmonton Oilers: 3 years, $5.85M
I thought Zack Kassian would never play in the NHL after his arrest and car accident but he went to rehab and earned a spot on the Oilers protecting Connor McDavid. Kassian had a good showing in the postseason earning him a team-friendly contract extension.
Tom Pyatt-Ottawa Senators: 2 years, $2.2M
After two years in Switzerland, Pyatt returned to the NHL and put up solid numbers playing on Ottawa's fourth line. With the amount of depth Ottawa has Pyatt might only be a depth forward this upcoming season.
Anton Forsberg-Chicago Blackhawks: 2 years, $1.5M
Part of the blockbuster trade last week, Forsberg went to Chicago and with Scott Darling gone he may get his best chance to be a backup goalie in the NHL. In 10 career games Forsberg has 4.02GAA that will need to improve greatly for him to play.
Tomas Jurco-Chicago Blackhawks: 1 year, $850K
Jurco will be a solid third or fourth liner next season in his first full year in Chicago. His production will have to increase if he wants to stay in the NHL though.
Taylor Fedun-Buffalo Sabres: 2 years, $1.3M
Fedun will probably play in the AHL but if injuries occur on the defence for Buffalo watch him to make an impact like he did last season getting seven points in 27 games.
Wade Megan-St Louis Blues: 1 year, $650K
Megan made his NHL debut at age 26 last year skating in three games, but his veteran presence will help the youngsters in Chicago.
Gustav Olofsson-Minnesota Wild: 2 years, $1.45M
Olofsson still has time to grow at age 22 for the Iowa Wild but with Marco Scandella traded to Buffalo and Christian Folin heading to free agency - he may make the full-time jump to the NHL.
Brett Connolly-Washington Capitals: 2 years, $3M
The former sixth-overall pick will never live up to his past potential but he can still be a solid third liner contributing 15 goals last season. His role might increase this year with the departure of Justin Williams from Washington.
Mark Alt-Philadelphia Flyers: 1 year, $650K
Alt has only played one game in his career and at 25 years it is likely his career will take him down a different road than the NHL.
Patrick Brown-Carolina Hurricanes: 1 year, $650K
Brown is not good enough to be a full-time NHL player but he can still contribute in the AHL or can take the place of the injured forwards.
Jake Chelios-Carolina Hurricanes: 1 year, $650K
Chelios has already reached age 26 without a single game of NHL experience so he probably will never get the opportunity to lace up the skates in the NHL.
Max McCormick-Ottawa Senators: 2 years, $1.3M
McCormick can push for a NHL roster spot next year but on a deep Ottawa team he will probably spend next season with the Binghamton Senators.
Eric Gryba-Edmonton Oilers: 2 years, $1.8M
Gryba is too slow for today's game as he showed in the playoffs but he brings toughness and size so he is an OK depth option for a young team.
Patrick Cannone-Minnesota Wild: 1 year, $650K
Cannone played his first NHL game at the age of 30 last year and is a good veteran option in Iowa next year for the Wild. Cannone and Ryan are good examples to show don't quit on your dreams no matter how unlikely they seem.
Ben Street-Detroit Red Wings: 1 year, $650K
At Street's age of 30 and having only played in 35 NHL games it is unlikely he will ever contribute to a team all year but he will be a solid forwards on the defending champion Grand Rapid Griffins.
Ville Pokka-Chicago Blackhawks: 1 year, $650K
Over the last two seasons Pokka has been close to finally cracking the Blackhawks but to no avail. With Niklas Hjalmarsson and Trevor Van Riemsdyk gone, next year will be his chance.
Spencer Foo- Calgary Flames: 2 years, $925K
The Flames won the bidding war for the Hobey Baker finalist this week over their division rival Oilers. Foo may not be ready for the NHL yet but if he cracks the lineup, watch for him to slide onto a line with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.
Jordan Schroeder-Columbus Bluejackets: 2 years, $1.3M
Schroder has been a solid fourth liner or depth forward his entire career and he will likely continue this role at his new home in Ohio.
Noel Acciari-Boston Bruins: 2 years, $1.45M
Acciari has not produced good numbers in his short taste of the NHL over the last two years but maybe this will the year he emerges.
Pheonix Copley-Washington Capitals: 2 years, $1.3M
Copley has struggled in two career games but being a goalie at age 25 means he still has time to grow. If Grubauer leaves Copley could be Holtby's backup in Washington.
Jacob De La Rose-Montreal Canadiens:1 year, $750K
De La Rose has been solid in his short tenures with the Canadiens but if he is to crack the roster full time he needs a dramatic point production increase. This may finally be the year he gets his full-time shot at the NHL.
Mike Condon-Ottawa Senators: 3 years, $7.2M
Mike Condon was a huge reason for Ottawa's success last season when Craig Anderson took a leave of absence. In the 40 games he appeared in, he guided the team to a winning record and had a 9.14 save percentage. He earned this three-year deal even though it is likely he will not see the crease as much this upcoming season.
Cory Conacher-Tampa Bay Lightning: 2 years, $1.3M
Ever since his Calder trophy nomination in his rookie season Conacher has struggled to find a home bouncing around eight teams in three leagues over the past four seasons. A return to his first NHL home may bring back his scoring ability.
Chris Butler-St Louis Blues: 2 years, $1.3M
Butler's NHL days are most likely over appearing in six games over the past two seasons but he will bring a veteran presence to Chicago in the AHL.
Sven Andrighetto-Colorado Avalanche: 2 years, $2.8M
Andrighetto played good in Montreal for parts of three seasons but they traded him to the Avalanche for Andres Martinsen at the deadline. On a terrible Avalanche team he produced 15 points in 19 games. If he can continue at that pace this might be the best value signing of the year.
Brendan Smith-New York Rangers: 4 years, $17.4M
Smith has been a third-pairing guy over his NHL career and will continue to do that over the next four seasons in the Big Apple. This is an over payment on behalf of the Rangers and it shows how much an average defenceman can make in free agency.
Gabriel Dumont-Tampa Bay Lightning: 2 years, $1.3M
To this point Dumont has struggled in the NHL but has had a good AHL career. He will help lead the Syracuse Crunch next season and may be called upon by Steve Yzerman to play in the NHL.
Philip Samuelsson-Carolina Hurricanes: 1 year, $650K
Samuelsson has only appeared in 13 NHL games to date and with a stacked blue line in Carolina it looks like he will have to wait another year.
Brock McGinn-Carolina Hurricanes: 2 years, $1.775M
McGinn has played decent in his short tenure in an NHL uniform and will look to crack the Hurricanes' roster next season.
Brian Lashoff-Detroit Redwings: 2 years, $1.3M
Lashoff played a full-time NHL role in 2014 but since then has mainly been a depth or an AHL player in Grand Rapids. He will help the Griffins defend their championship next season.
Dylan McIlrath-Detroit Redwings: 2 years, $1.3M
When McIlrath was drafted 10th overall in 2010 big things were expected from the tough blue liner but things did not play out as expected. He can be a reliable depth option next year and he will drop the gloves with anybody.
Chandler Stephenson-Washington Capitals: 2 years, $1.3M
Stephenson has yet to net a point in his NHL career, With Washington moving on from many players in free agency he has a shot to crack the roster full time.
Kris Versteeg-Calgary Flames: 1 year, $1.75M
A year can make a big difference just ask Kris Versteeg. Last year he had signed in Switzerland but got a PTO in Edmonton before signing in Calgary. This year as many as 10 teams lined up for Versteeg's services but he opted to stay near his hometown, Lethbridge, on a discount.
Magnus Paajarvi-St. Louis Blues: 1 year, $800K
Another top-10 pick who never panned out, Paajarvi put up solid numbers in his short stay with St. Louis last year making the team opt for a return.
Keith Kinkaid-New Jersey Devils: 2 years, $2.5M
Kinkaid is one of the game's younger backup goalies but with Cory Schneider carrying the load in Jersey he does not get very many games. If Schneider's play starts to detiriate watch for Kinkaid to get more games.
Jaycob Megna-Anaheim Ducks: 2 years, $1.3M
Anaheim has a stacked defensive core making it hard for youngsters like Jaycob Megna to make the jump. With Kevin Bieksa getting up in age and the departure of Shea Theodore and Clayton Stoner, Megna may get a shot next season.
Kevin Boyle-Anaheim Ducks: 1 year, $675K
Boyle is 25 and still played some time in the ECHL last year making it surprising that he was brought back for another season. Goalies tend to take longer to mature though so you never know.
Jordan Weal-Philadelphia Flyers: 2 years, $3.5M
Jordan Weal came on at the end of last season making him one of the more intriguing free agents as the majority of the group this year are in their 30s. After a visit to Vancouver and many calls from other teams he decided to say put in Philly.
Dmitry Orlov-Washington Capitals: 6 years, $30.6M
Orlov is only 25 and has already had a good reliable career with the Capitals. He has improved steadily each year and with the departure of Kevin Shattenkirk and Karl Alzner via free agency he will get an improved role.
Michael Stone-Calgary Flames: 3 years, $10.5M
Stone will be on the bottom pair of possibly the best defensive core in the NHL in Calgary. Making $3.5 million on the bottom pair seems like a lot of money but the deal is worth it. Stone played well in Calgary after his trade from Arizona, we will see how he plays in a smaller role next season.
Alex Petrovic-Florida Panthers: 1 year, $1.85M
Petrovic is a big young stay-at-home defenceman who will get a short deal to see if he is worth a long-term contract next year. With Keith Yandle getting up in age and Jason Demers trade rumours swirling, he may get a larger role.
Anton Rodin-Vancouver Canucks: 1 year. $700K
Rodin was a disappointment in Vancouver last year only appearing in three games and putting up one point. Because he spent most of the season injured he will get a contract to redeem himself.
Buyouts:
Matt Greene: Greene's career is probably over now as the veteran was bought out by LA after appearing in 26 games last year only producing two points. The two-time Stanley Cup champion might bring experience to someone but retirement is more probable.
Antti Niemi: Ever since winning the cup in Chicago, Niemi has struggled - first in San Jose and then in Dallas. With Ben Bishop and Kari Lehtonen in the pipes for the Stars, Niemi was no longer needed but he will be able to get a backup gig somewhere next season. He could return and play in his home country of Finland.
Benoit Pouliot: The Oilers need to save all the cap space they can with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl due for huge raises. Pouliot struggled last year after a solid season in 2016 with only 14 points in 67 games. Pouliot will likely find a suitor in free agency looking for a veteran presence.
Scott Hartnell: At age 35, Scott Hartnell will still be able to score goals and bring his physical play to whatever team comes calling after his buyout. Maybe his former team in Nashville will offer a deal as he plays similar to James Neal who they lost in the expansion draft.
Lance Bouma: Bouma has been in Calgary for a while but after two straight seven-point seasons it was time for the Flames to cut ties. Bouma broke out with 16 goals three years ago but has been a disappointment since.
Ryan Murphy: Murphy has been a solid depth defenceman in Carolina since 2013 getting traded to Calgary on Thursday. The Flames bought him out as their GM said it was part of the trade.
Michael Cammalleri: Cammalleri has struggled since his departure from Calgary to New Jersey three years ago and no longer shows his potential to score 35 goals anymore. He can still be a power-play specialist for a cheap price next year.
Devante Smith-Pelly: Smith-Pelly looked destined for success as a young star in Anaheim but in the three years since his departure from the Ducks he has not lived up to his potential. He can fit on most teams bottom six though and should be sought after tomorrow.
Jimmy Hayes: In 58 games last year the once sought-after Jimmy Hayes only scored two goals and added three assists. He will bring lots of size to whatever teams come calling on July 1. The Jimmy Hayes for Reilly Smith deal did not work out for either teams.
Mark Stuart: Stuart has been a big tough stay-at-home defenceman for the last six seasons in Winnipeg. The Jets are trying to get younger to let younger defenceman like Ben Chiarot and Paul Postma play next year.
Jussi Jokinen: Jokinen is now moving on from his fifth NHL team as the Finn's shootout talents were not enough to keep him in the sunshine state. Dale Tallon has been told to shave off $10 million in salary this offseason by ownership and this will be one of the moves he makes to reach that goal.
Trades:
Golden Knights receive: Dylan Ferguson, 2020 2nd Round Pick
Stars receive: Marc Methot
The Stars just got much better on defence with this acquisition and the Knights just seem to be trading players they drafted for free. Methot will team up with another Swede, John Klingberg, on the top pairing, who plays a very similar style to Erik Karlsson. A second-round pick will be OK and Ferguson was just drafted in the seventh round last week so he will most likely never crack an NHL roster.
Winner: Stars
Flames Receive: Eddie Lack, Ryan Murphy, 2019 7th Round Pick
Hurricanes Receive: Keegan Kanzig, 2019 6th Round Pick
The Flames are going to give future goalie Jon Gillies another year to develop brining in backup goalie Eddie Lack. Lack struggled last year but has shown flashes of potential in the past and is still pretty young. Ryan Murphy was bought out and will never play a game for Calgary. Keegan Kanzig is a big boy and after spending last season in the ECHL is ready to make the jump to the AHL. The Hurricanes and Flames also swapped draft picks giving Carolina a higher pick.
Winner: Both
Sabres Receive: Marco Scandella, Jason Pominville, 2018 4th Round Pick
Wild Receive: Tyler Ennis, Marcus Foligno, 2018 3rd Round Pick
Jason Pominville is returning home to Buffalo where his hockey career took off 14 years ago. Even with Pominville up their in age, he will help mentor the young guns and produce solid numbers. Marco Scandella is the main piece of this trade and will likely play on Buffalo's top pair with Rasmus Ristolainen. Scandella never found a home on Minnesota's deep defence spending lots of his career on the bottom pair. After producing two 40-point campaigns, Ennis has faltered the last two seasons due to injuries. Foligno is a gritty hockey players who will fit perfectly on any NHL team's fourth line. The teams also swapped draft picks giving the Wild a higher pick.
Winner: Sabres
Photo credit for TJ Oshie goes to https://www.nhl.com/. Jason Pominville goes to https://www.usatoday.com/. Brett Connolly goes to http://www.thehockeynews.com/. Spencer Foo goes to https://www.nhl.com/flames/. Kris Versteeg goes to http://calgaryherald.com/.
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