Signings:
Oliver Ekman-Larsson-Arizona Coyotes: 8 years, $66M
Ekman-Larsson is one of the best defenceman in the league as he plays top minutes while putting up good offensive numbers with no help around him. His loyalty to Arizona proves that there may be hope for them in the future as they allow their young stars to develop. The price tag might be a little high but the Coyotes have tons of cap space available and when you are bad you need to overpay for players.
Thomas Hickey-New York Islanders: 4 years, $10M
Hickey can be a good bottom-pair defenceman on a team but with the Islanders weak defensive core. he will once again be asked to do too much. With the lose of Tavares, the re-signing of Hickey won`t make much of a difference as the Islanders may enter a rebuilding stage.
Nick Seeler-Minnesota Wild: 3 years, $2.75M
Seeler flashed some potential during his stint with the team at the end of the regular season and playoffs when Ryan Suter got hurt. At 25 years old it may be his last chance to crack an NHL roster full time.
Matt Hendricks-Minnesota Wild: 1 year, $700K
Hendricks has always been a great leader and willingly to do whatever it takes to win; he can be a great depth forward or fourth liner for a team that makes the playoffs.
Jack Johnson-Pittsburgh Penguins: 5 years, $16.25M
Jack Johnson can still be a good top-four defenceman but the length of this deal is way too long. Pittsburgh needs help on defence but a one- or two-year deal would make more sense especially if Pittsburgh needs to sign some of their young players.
Paul Stastny-Vegas Golden Knights: 3 years, $19.5M
Paul Stastny has been a very good second-line center his entire NHL career and he will be joining the Western conference champions from a year ago. Stastny's contract seems like a lot per year but the term is short and Vegas has tons of cap space. It seems like they are going to try and win the Cup in the next three years based on this deal.
Antoine Roussel-Vancouver Canucks: 4 years, $12M
Roussel is coming off the worst season of his career but he can still be a very effective pest on the fourth line. The deal is way too long for Vancouver though and the dollar value is a bit large as well for a player better suited on a contender.
Thomas Vanek-Detroit Red Wings: 1 year, $3M
Vanek had a very good season last year but he played for two more teams getting him up to a total of eight in his career. Returning to Detroit where he spent half a season, Vanek can still score goals but he should have went somewhere as Detroit should start a rebuild.
Greg Pateryn-Minnesota Wild: 3 years, $6.75M
This seems like a lot to play for a defenceman who has spent the majority of his career as a depth player but that shows how little defencemen were on the market. Pateryn won't produce any offence but he can play physical which is why Minnesota signed him.
Tomas Plekanec-Montreal Canadiens: 1 year, $2.25M
After a brief stint in Toronto, Plekanec is returning to the place he spent the first 13 years of his career. Montreal need centers like Plekanec, but the team may be starting a rebuild and bringing in a 35-year-old Plekanec won't help them.
Xavier Ouellet-Montreal Canadiens: 1 year, $700K
Ouellet has been a depth defenceman his entire career and he will play the same role next season for a very weak Montreal team.
Nic Dowd-Washington Capitals: 1 year, $650K
Nic Dowd will look to replace Jay Beagle in Washington as the fourth-line center but if he plays like he did in Vancouver, he may end up in the AHL or in a depth role.
Chad Johnson-St.Louis Blues: 1 year, $1.75M
Chad Johnson was terrible in Buffalo last season but that is also partly due the team that was in front of him. The year before, he was a decent backup in Calgary so if he can play like that he would be a good signing. However, if Allen starts to struggle, he won't be able to step in like Hutton did last year.
Petr Mrazek-Carolina Hurricanes: 1 year, $1.5M
Mrazek has disappointed in his NHL career and this may be his last chance to prove he can be a solid NHL goaltender. He will have a chance to split the starting goalie job with Scott Darling if he plays well but it is more likely he plays backup.
Tyler Bozak-St. Louis Blues: 3 years, $15M
Bozak has been a very reliable second- or third-line center his whole career and with the addition of Ryan O'Reilly, he should fit nicely into the third-line center role. He produces offence while also playing a very good two-way game, and may help the Blues get back into the playoff picture.
Ian Cole-Colorado Avalanche: 3 years, $12.75M
Cole has been a bottom-pair defenceman his entire career and this seems like way too much to pay for someone of his ability. Colorado needs defencemen but at this price, the deal is not worth it; they would have been better off letting their young defencemen grow.
David Perron-St. Louis Blues: 4 years, $16M
After a career season, Perron will return to the Blues for the third time in his career after a season's stint in Vegas. If Perron produces like last year, this deal will be a steal and if he sticks to his average of around 40 points, it will be a good deal for an improving team in St. Louis.
Carter Hutton-Buffalo Sabres: 3 years, $8.25M
The best goalie on the market went to a team who desperately needs help in net; Hutton has been great as a backup and it will be interesting to see if he can play well as a full-time starter. We can't expect the same numbers as last season but he could still be a solid starter even though he would be better off splitting the net with someone else.
John Moore-Boston Bruins: 5 years, $13.75M
Moore is a decent defenceman who can play on the power play while also playing a key role five-on-five for a good Boston team. He won't be asked to play out of his comfort zone as the Bruins have a good team that can compete for the Cup.
Anton Khudobin-Dallas Stars: 2 years, $5M
Khudobin had a decent season last year as Tuukka Rask's backup but even if he plays like that again, the deal seems to be a bit too much. There are better backup goalies who got less money than Khudobin but Dallas must have been set with him as Ben Bishop's backup.
Jay Beagle-Vancouver Canucks: 4 years, $12M
Another "what are the Canucks doing deal?" Beagle would be a perfect fourth-line center on a Cup contender like last season on a two-year contract. Instead Vancouver brought him into a terrible team on a four-year deal where the dollar value is too much.
Austin Czarnik-Calgary Flames: 2 years, $2.5M
In parts of two NHL seasons with the Bruins, Czarnik has been a depth forward or AHL call up but based on his point production in the AHL, the Flames believe he can be the bottom-six scoring-depth forward they need.
Derek Ryan-Calgary Flames: 3 years, $9.375M
Derek Ryan has carved out a nice role for himself over the past two season in Carolina as their fourth-line center and then their third-line center. He will give the Flames a good option on the third line at center as he produces offense and plays a good two-way game.
Roman Polak-Dallas Stars: 1 year, $1.3M
It is probably time for Roman Polak to retire; his bruising style of play may be effective but he is too slow. At best, he would be a depth defenceman in Dallas.
James Van Riemsdyk-Philadelphia Flyers: 5 years, $35M
Van Riemsdyk is returning to the team that never should have traded him in the first place; he can be a very effective top-six forward especially on the power play as he notched a career-high 36 goals last season. The annual value of the contract might be a bit high but the length is good in case his playing style diminishes as he gets older. The return of Van Riemsdyk may spell the end of Wayne Simmond's time in the City of Brotherly Love.
Cam Ward-Chicago Blackhawks: 1 year, $3M
For an aging goalie, this seems like a lot to pay for a backup as Cam Ward is no longer the Conn Smythe trophy winner he once was. Chicago is probably worried about Corey Crawford's health and they think Ward could play a lot in case Crawford can't play again.
Jonathan Bernier-Detroit Red Wings: 3 years, $9M
Another backup goaltender who got quite a bit of money, Bernier is better than most of the others though as he helped to push Colorado into the post season after Semyon Varlamov went down with an injury. He will serve as the starter once Jimmy Howard leaves Detroit until they can find someone else.
John Tavares-Toronto Maple Leafs: 7 years, $77M
The most-prized player on the market, John Tavares is going back to his hometown to make Toronto Cup contenders. Tavares was this year's best free agent by a wide margin as he is one of the best players in the league. Tavares and Matthews will give Toronto a deadly one-two punch for a long time. Toronto will be pushed up against the cap when they need to sign some young players but even if they have to sacrifice William Nylander, the deal would be worth it. Tavares instantly makes them better but the defence still needs some work before they can challenge a team like Tampa Bay.
Jaroslav Halak-Boston Bruins: 2 years, $5.5M
Once a very good goalie. Halak had a very rough season last year as him and Thomas Greiss combined to be the worst goalie combination in the league. This is an expensive price to pay for a backup so Boston better hope he can return to form from a couple years ago.
Blake Comeau-Dallas Stars: 3 years, $7.2M
Blake Comeau will bring some much-needed depth to a Stars team which is very top heavy in its forward group. Comeau can play a third-line role but he has also proved if given the chance on a higher line, he can produce.
Joakim Nordstrom-Boston Bruins: 2 years, $2M
Nordstrom will be a depth forward for Boston next season as he has little offensive ability; he will mainly be asked to play a two-way game while given a chance in the lineup.
Matthew Peca-Montreal Canadiens: 2 years, $2.6M
Peca has appeared in 10 games each of the last two seasons on a very deep Tampa Bay forward core. While he has played decent, he never really got a chance. On a team in Montreal that desperately needs forwards, he will get an opportunity to crack the lineup from day one.
Eric Gryba-New Jersey Devils: 1 year, $700K
Gryba will likely spend the season as a depth defenceman or in the AHL as he is too slow for the NHL game; he plays an old-school bruising style of defence like Roman Polak.
Ryan McDonagh-Tampa Bay Lightning: 7 years, $47.25M
McDonagh has been a very solid defenceman his entire career, playing a good two-way game, and he has the capability to be a top-two defenceman as he captained the Rangers. On a good Tampa team, this deal seems like way too much though as they will have to sign some of their young stars soon like Nikita Kucherov, Yanni Gourde and Mikhail Sergachev.
Chris Kunitz-Chicago Blackhawks: 1 year, $1M
The four-time Stanley Cup champion will look to bring a fifth to his name with one of last season's most disappointing teams. Kunitz brings a winning culture to Chicago on which will likely be his last contract.
JT Brown-Minnesota Wild: 2 years, $1.375M
Brown has little offensive ability so he will be a depth forward next season. When he gets into the lineup though he will bring grit and toughness to Minnesota.
Tobias Rieder-Edmonton Oilers: 1 year, $2M
The speedster will join forces with his fellow countryman Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton on a very good contract. Rieder had an off season but he can be a good middle-six forward or he could even be given a chance to star with Connor McDavid.
Valeri Nichushkin-Dallas Stars: 2 years, $5.9M
After two years in the KHL, Nichushkin is returning to the team where he spent three years in the NHL. Nichushkin flashed potential in his first stint in the league and if he has grown over the past two years, he can really help the Stars get more scoring around their lineup.
Kevin Gravel-Edmonton Oilers: 1 year, $700K
Gravel has played 70 games over three seasons in LA as a depth defenceman; he will likely play the same role in Edmonton on a very weak defensive core.
Brandon Manning-Chicago Blackhawks: 2 years, $4.5M
Manning has been a good depth defenceman or bottom-pair player for the Flyers during his career. He is mostly known for injuring Connor McDavid but he has potential especially if he gets a larger role in Chicago.
Jared McCann-Florida Panthers: 2 years, $2.5M
McCann had a decent season in Florida contributing in a depth role. He is still young and improving so if he reaches his first-round potential, this could be a very good deal. If not, the deal is still good as it is short term at a very cheap price.
Michael Grabner-Arizona Coyotes: 3 years, $10.05M
Grabner is one of the fastest players in the league and has shown the ability to score goals over the past two seasons, netting 27 each year. He can play anywhere down the lineup and will help the Coyotes address their depth issues.
Kyle Brodziak-Edmonton Oilers: 2 years, $2.3M
Brodziak is returning to the place where he started his NHL career. Over the years, he has blossomed into one of the better fourth-line centers in the NHL. He will replace Mark Letestu as he brings his leadership to the Oilers locker room.
Matt Bartkowski-Minnesota Wild: 1 year, $650K
Bartkowski has spent the last two season as a depth defenceman in Calgary; he will likely do the same thing for Minnesota if he makes the NHL club.
Josh Jooris-Toronto Maple Leafs: 1 year, $650K
After a good rookie season in Calgary, Jooris has declined into a depth forward. He will either play in the AHL or be a depth forward in Toronto this season.
Scott Wilson-Buffalo Sabres: 2 years, $2.1M
Wilson finally found a home in Buffalo after stints in Pittsburgh and Detroit last season. The two-time Cup champ will look to carve out a full-time role this season on a rebuilding Sabres team.
Nick Holden-Vegas Golden Knights: 2 years. $4.4M
Nick Holden has been a very good bottom-pair defenceman during his career in which he has played for four different NHL teams. Unlike most bottom-pair defencemen, he brings an offensive upside which sets him ahead of the other fringe defencemen signed so far.
Michael Hutchinson-Florida Panthers: 1 year, $1.3M
After a good first year in the NHL, Hutchinson has struggled in the following years and he only appeared in three games this past season. He will spend this year in the AHL but could get a shot if Roberto Luongo goes down with another injury.
Tim Schaller-Vancouver Canucks: 2 years, $3.8M
Schaller was a good fourth liner with Boston last season but that was because he played behind so many good forwards. We can't expect the same success in Vancouver as the Canucks are terrible and he will be asked to do more than he is capable of.
Daniel Carr-Vegas Golden Knights: 1 year, $750K
Carr performed well during his NHL stint in Montreal last season, producing 16 points in 38 games on a team who could not score. He will get a chance to crack Vegas' NHL lineup but will likely spend next season in the AHL.
Matt Cullen-Pittsburgh Penguins: 1 year, $650K
The oldest player in the NHL is returning to the place where he won two Stanley Cups. This will likely be the veteran center's last year in the NHL as he tries to win his third cup in four years with Pittsburgh.
Laurent Brossoit-Winnipeg Jets: 1 year, $650K
Brossoit was terrible as Edmonton's backup last season. He will get a shot to compete with Eric Comrie for the backup job in Winnipeg but will likely end up in the AHL.
Fredrik Claesson-New York Rangers: 1 year, $700K
Claesson has been OK as a depth defenceman for Ottawa over parts of the last three seasons and he may get a shot to play a full-time role in New York as they retool their roster.
Eric Fehr-Minnesota Wild: 1 year, $1M
Fehr has been an effective fourth liner his entire career but at this point it seems more likely he could be a depth forward or even spend most of the season in the AHL.
Andrew Hammond-Minnesota Wild: 1 year, $650K
The Hamburglar has never recreated his magic from the rookie season as he has spent the last two seasons mostly in the AHL. After stealing a game in round one for Colorado though, he may get a shot at the backup role in Minnesota.
Matt Calvert-Colorado Avalanche: 3 years, $8.4M
Matt Calvert has spent his entire career with the Blue Jackets until now and over that span he has been a very valuable bottom-six forward. He will replace the role Blake Comeau played for Colorado this past season when they surprised everyone by making the playoffs.
Jimmy Hayes-Pittsburgh Penguins: 1 year, $650K
Once a very promising young player, Hayes has never lived up to what Boston thought they were getting when he got traded for Reilly Smith. He will get a shot to crack Pittsburgh's lineup but a depth forward role seems more likely.
Vladislav Namestnikov-New York Rangers: 2 years, $8M
Namestnikov was playing great in Tampa but struggled when he was traded to New York last year, partly because of the players he was paired with. If Stamkos and Kucherov made him the player he was this is a bad signing but if he proves he can put up 40 points on his own it would be a good deal; either way Tampa definitely won the trade last trade deadline.
Leo Komarov-New York Islanders: 4 years, $12M
The Islanders traded John Tavares for Leo Komarov. Komarov is a good bottom-six forward as he kills penalties and plays gritty. He could really have helped a contending team but instead he joins a team that could be one of the league's worst next year.
Sven Baertschi-Vancouver Canucks: 3 years, 10.101M
Baertschi has never lived up to his potential as a first-line forward but has instead grown into a third liner. He has flashed the ability to score and if he can stay healthy, there is a possibility this could turn into a good deal for Vancouver.
Paul Carey-Ottawa Senators: 1 year, $700K
Carey has spent most of his professional hockey career in the AHL despite being called up for 60 games last season. He will be given an opportunity to make a weak Senators team but it is more likely he ends up in the AHL.
Chris Wagner-Boston Bruins: 2 years, $2.5M
Wagner plays on the edge and that is what will keep him in hockey's top league as he does not have much offensive talent. He will be given a shot in Boston's bottom six but he could also end up spending a majority of the season in the AHL.
Riley Nash-Columbus Blue Jackets: 3 years, $8.25M
Nash had a career year last season quietly putting up a solid 41 points as a third-line center. If he can improve on that or keep his point total similar, this could be a very good deal but if he was a one-year wonder, Columbus could have overpaid for a fourth-line or depth forward.
Luke Schenn-Anaheim Ducks: 1 year, $800K
Luke Schenn has stuck around in the NHL due to his physicality and toughness as he has no offensive touch. He will fit well in Anaheim as they play with a mean streak; he may play a full-time role but he could also be a depth defenceman.
Valtteri Filppula-New York Islanders: 1 year, $2.75M
Filppula is no longer the player he once was but he can still be a very effective third- or fourth-line center. He plays a very good two-way game and he can create offense for other players which the Islanders desperately needs after Tavares' departure.
Trades:
Blues Receive: Ryan O'Reilly
Sabres Receive: Patrik Berglund, Vladimir Sobotka, Tage Thompson, 2019 1st Round Pick, 2021 2nd Round Pick
At first glance, it seems like the Blues have have given up way too much for Ryan O'Reilly but after digesting this trade it is not too bad. They get themselves another good option up front to join new additions Tyler Bozak and David Perron who is also very strong in his own zone while shedding two contracts they wanted to get rid of. Tage Thompson might be a good NHL player but he will probably be a bottom-six forward. In return for a player Buffalo was ready to move on from, they get two capable veterans to help their young core grow as well as a prospect they like and future picks to build around Jack Eichel and Rasmus Dahlin.
Grades: Blues A; Sabres B+
Photo credit for Thomas Hickey, Petr Mrazek and Leo Komarov goes to https://www.tsn.ca/. Thomas Vanek Goes to https://www.si.com/. Jay Beagle goes to https://twitter.com/. John Tavares and Ryan O`Reilly goes to https://www.nhl.com/. Ryan McDonagh goes to http://www.bostonherald.com/. Michael Grabner goes to https://www.msgnetworks.com/. Matt Cullen goes to https://www.twincities.com/. Riley Nash goes to https://nesn.com/.
