Where Offseason Moves Have Taken the NHL

SportingNews.com

There have been a draft and major trades, and the biggest names in free agency are signed and sealed. NHL general managers are starting to think about summer fishing trips, rather than a laser-like focus on improving their roster. That means it's time to evaluate.

Here's a look at the impact moves from the NHL offseason so far:

Free agency winners

These three teams helped themselves the most through free agency:

1. Toronto Maple Leafs: GM Brian Burke wanted to establish a new identity and he did exactly that through an aggressive week in free agency. Toronto's defense is much tougher with the addition of Mike Komisarek and Francois Beauchemin. Hard-hitting defenseman Garnet Exelby was added through a trade. Burke capped it off by landing Swedish goalie prospect Jonas Gustavsson. Now, he just needs to find someone who can score.

2. Washington Capitals: No, they didn't make a huge splash but we love the move they made. GM George McPhee signed Mike Knuble to replace the Russian-bound Sergei Fedorov, and Knuble is a nice upgrade. Knuble adds a veteran presence and somebody who can knock home rebounds from the relentless shooting of Alex Ovechkin. "We replaced a 13-goal scorer with a 27-goal scorer," McPhee said. "I think we're better as a result."

3. New York Rangers: Glen Sather's history on July 1 is spotty at best, but his maneuvering through the Scott Gomez trade to clear space and land Marian Gaborik deserves praise. The Rangers weren't going anywhere with the capped-out roster from season's end. If Gaborik stays healthy, this team will emerge as one of the best in the Eastern Conference.

Building through trades

Free agency isn't the only way to construct a team. These three helped themselves through trades:

1. Philadelphia Flyers: There's no doubt they gave up a lot to land Chris Pronger, and they're going to be paying him well into his 40s. But by trading for Pronger, the Flyers catapulted themselves into serious Stanley Cup contenders. "We're all trying to get better. At the end of the summer, there's only one Stanley Cup champion," Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said. "I think Chris gives us a better chance."

2. Calgary Flames: There was a feeling that Jay Bouwmeester was going to test free agency no matter what, so the Flames gambled when they sent a third-round pick and Jordan Leopold to the Florida Panthers for the rights to negotiate with Bouwmeester. The gamble paid off when Bouwmeester signed a five-year deal before free agency kicked off. His signing gives the Flames one of the league's best defense corps.

3. Los Angeles Kings: Dean Lombardi wanted to add veteran scoring and most people thought he'd do it through free agency. He tried to sign Marian Hossa and rumors persisted that the Kings were in on Gaborik and Martin Havlat. But Lombardi ultimately added his scoring forward through a trade with the Avalanche. Ryan Smyth is the perfect complement to the Kings' young forwards.

From pretenders to contenders

These teams didn't make the playoffs last season, but a strong offseason puts them back in postseason contention.

1. Kings: They're young, but also a year older, more experienced and bolstered by Smyth's leadership.

2. Atlanta Thrashers: GM Don Waddell surrounds a young core led by Ilya Kovalchuk, Bryan Little and Toby Entrom with additions Pavel Kubina and Nik Antropov.

3. Maple Leafs: Burke knows a traditional rebuilding won't fly with Toronto fans. He's fast-tracking the Leafs back to contention.

4. Tampa Bay Lightning: Defense was a glaring weakness and GM Brian Lawton addressed it by adding Victor Hedman in the draft and Mattias Ohlund in free agency.

5. Ottawa Senators: They finished strong under new coach Cory Clouston, added Alex Kovalev and should get a nice return for Dany Heatley.

SN's best of what's left team There's still talent remaining in the free agent pool

F Alex Tanguay:
He's one of the few possible 20-goal scorers left on the market.

F Ales Kotalik:
His big shot would be a welcome addition in New Jersey.

F Brendan Shanahan:
The Flyers say they're not interested, but he'd help replace Mike Knuble.

D Sergei Zubov:
The Stars would like him back, but the Rangers would be a nice fit.

D Mathieu Schneider:
This veteran showed in Montreal he can still help a power play.

G Martin Biron:
Might have to settle for a back-up job at this point.

Craig Custance is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ccustance@sportingnews.com.

----

More hockey news

More sport news

Sports home

Copyright 2012 by SportingNews.com