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July 1 is an exciting day for the fans of hockey and the players set to make millions of dollars in raises.
It is probably not nearly as exciting for the GMs who spend hours trying to convince players to sign with their team and then have to convince the owner that said player is worth that much, all the while being scrutinized by media and fans alike.
That being said, I'n here to scrutinize and praise the activities of some teams and GMs on day one of the free agent signing period.
Dale Tallon and the Chicago Blackhawks lead off my list of winners.
Chicago was able to replace Martin Havlat with a bigger, more sturdier player in Marian Hossa. Chicago committed to Hossa long term with a 12-year deal, but the sign of Hossa proves to the fans in the Windy City that winning is now.
It also hints to Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane that this team intends on being competitive for years to come.
John Madden is a premier defensive forward with winning experience. His one-year deal was an astute move by Tallon and co.
The Lightning also made strides in the right direction. Matthias Ohlund was signed to a lengthy seven-year deal, probably a tad too long for a player that is 32 and will be 40 at the end of his contract.
But a closer look shows that Ohlund is actually an investment into the future.
No doubt a big reason for his signing was to help Victor Hedman acclimate to the NHL game and North American life style.
Ohlund will provide stability on the back end as well as help quarterback the power-play in the Sunshine State.
Joining Ohlund in Tampa Bay is Matt Walker at a very reasonable $1.7 million per year.
Walker proved during the playoff run with the Blackhawks that he could play a tough, shot-blocking game.
Glen Sather finally showed some of the managerial skills he displayed during his cash strapped days in Edmonton.
Sather was able to pawn off the albatross-like contract of Scott Gomez on the Montreal Canadiens and score a quality defensive prospect in Ryan McDonagh.
Clearing Gomez's contract off the books allowed the Rangers to sign oft-injured, but highly-skilled Marian Gaborik. This is an upgrade in my opinion.
Garth Snow acquired a quality insurance plan for the oft-injured Rick DiPietro in Dwayne Roloson.
The combined annual payroll cost of the goaltending duo will hover in the $7.5-8 million range. That is not obscene when you think of how many teams are paying their number one guy in excess of $6 million.
Now, onto the losers.
Anyone that has read my past articles or comments will not be surprised to find that Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs head up my list of losers. Burke was active on July 1.
Colton Orr was signed to a four-year, $4 million deal. This is a old day goon. He scored one goal all of last season.
Mike Komarisek was "stolen" from the Montreal Canadiens for $22 million over five years.
When it comes to shut down, puck-blocking defensemen like Komisarek, I heed the words of Ken Holland.
"Never spend big bucks on defensemen unless they are point producers".
Komisarek contributed 11 points last season, of those 11 points one was a goal.
Obviously, Burke does not agree with Holland.
If you're counting at home, that is $5 million per year for two goals.
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