Top 5 NHL Free Agency Signings: Day 1

Day 1 of NHL Free Agency proved to be a big one. Most of the big name players went ahead and decided to quickly sign on the first day of free agency. Some teams also bolstered their playoff chances, whether is be just making the playoffs or going all the was. Let's take a look at the top free agent signings of the first day of NHL free agency.

Sedins resign in Vancouver

Mike Gillis quickly wrapped up 160 points worth of players, offering the twins identical 5 year contracts worth $6.1 million per season. Vancouver got a deal done before former Vancouver GM Brian Burke could bring them over to Toronto.

Hossa signs 12 year deal with 'Hawks

The Blackhawks quickly improved their offense by signing a high-caliber forward, locking him up with the club for twelve seasons, meaning he will be in Chicago until he is 40. Chicago got something they lacked when they played Detroit in the Western Conference Finals.

Gaborik signs with Rangers

Each and every offseason, New York tries to make a couple of impact signings to try and reach the Stanley Cup finals. Two seasons ago, they signed centers Chris Drury and Scott Gomez, who was recently traded to Montreal. Last year, they signed blueliner Wade Redden and Markus Naslund, and also acquired skilled forward Nikolai Zherdev. They still could not get past Washington. Gaborik could finally prove to be the missing piece. After dumping Gomez's huge salary, New York went ahead and signed the best free agent remaining. If he stays healthy, the Rangers could finally be contenders.

Cammalleri signs with Montreal

The Habs could have used an 80+ point scorer last season, as their leading scorer had 65 points (Kovalev). Cammalleri added 39 goals for Calgary last season. He will also be able to work with newly acquired Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta.

Ohlund signs with Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is closer to the playoffs than you might think. They have skilled forwards in Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier, and Ryan Malone. Ohlund gives the Lightning a solid veteran blue liner with playoff experience, as the Lightning's D-men were battling with injuries last season.