The free agent signing period is still a few hours away. But some teams have already significantly upgraded their rosters through trades and early signings. Here are the big winners in the early marketplace.
1. Philadelphia Flyers: The team's defense now includes Ryan Ellis, Rasmus Ristolainen and Keith Yandle. It doesn't include Shayne Gostisbehere whose contract was shipped to Arizona. General manager Chuck Fletcher also traded Jakub Voracek straight up for Cam Atkinson. Voracek is still a productive player, but Atkinson is a better goal scorer and does more overall. Another gain for the Flyers.
2. Winnipeg Jets: Love what they've done with place. Adding Brenden Dillon and Nate Schmidt improves the team's defensive corp significantly. And how many people believed they would be able to re-sign Paul Stastny?
3. Chicago Blackhawks: Hello Marc-Andre Fleury, Seth Jones and Tyler Johnson. Goodbye aging defenseman Duncan Keith. Add in the good news that Jonathan Toews is expected to be ready to play this season. Could this be a playoff team?
4.Detroit Red Wings: GM Steve Yzerman only gave up a third round pick for Alex Nedeljkovic who could be their No. 1 goalie through the rebuild and beyond. The slick acquisition of Nick Leddy also adds a layer of offensive thrust to the team. Yzerman wants his rebuilding team to be more competitive and they will be. Don't forget that super prospect Moritz Seider is arriving this season. He is more polished than a regular rookie.
5.Tampa Bay Lightning: Turns out that General manager Julien BriseBois had one more trick up his sleeve. He was able to move Tyler Johnson off his roster to provide salary cap relief, and acquire Brent Seabrook whose ability to go on long-term injured reserve also helps Tampa Bay's salary cap situation even more. It seems ridiculous to commend someone for acquiring a player that won't play, but it is also ridiculous that the Collective Bargaining Agreement allows this legal form of cap circumvention. Can't blame BriseBois for using the rules for his advantage, especially if it gives you a shot at a third consecutive Stanley Cup.
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