NHL Free Agency, Day 17

Anaheim Ducks

Obtained Joakim Lindstrom from Columbus for 2010 pick, and signed Lindstrom.  This was a good move for which Burke did not have to give up too much.  It helps his roster, and gives it a bit of depth.  Grade: A-

Atlanta Thrashers

Signed Jason Williams and Kari Lehtonen.  Jason Williams is a great, young player who will truly help a struggling Atlanta team. Having Lehtonen locked up for a while takes care of a goaltending problem.  Grade: C+

Buffalo Sabres

Signed Daniel Paille.  This is a good signing, as Paille is a very capable player, but Buffalo have not done nearly enough to help themselves this summer.  Grade: C

Chicago Blackhawks

Signed Doug Janik, Aaron Johnson, and Colin Fraser.  These are three young guys who have a lot of potential, but I’m not sure if they will help the Blackhawks out that much.  Grade: A-

Colorado Avalanche

Signed Cody McCormick and Brian Willsie.  Two good signings by the Avalanche.  Grade: A-

Columbus Blue Jackets

Signed Derek Mackenzie, Craig MacDonald, Steve Kelly, Marc Methot, and Alexandre Picard.  These are some great signings by Howson.  Picard is a forward who has really been a bust the past few years, but the other three, from what I hear, have a lot of potential.  The Blue Jackets continue to get their hands on almost everything this summer.  Grade: A-

Edmonton Oilers

Signed Shawn Horcoff.  Horcoff is a great player, and it is great to have him locked up in an Oilers’ uniform for the next six years.  Grade: D

Los Angeles

Signed Gabe Gauthier, Erik Ersberg, Matt Moulson, and Joe Piskula.  These are a few minor signings, but they should help a fair amount.  Ersberg is a young goalie, which I do not think they need (because they have Bernier), but having another goalie cannot hurt.  However, these are the first signings that the Kings have done all summer.  A bit late, I think.  Grade: D-

Minnesota Wild

Signed Peter Olvecky and Clayton Stoner.  Two okay players, but nothing that raises their grade in my mind.  Grade: B

Montreal Canadiens

Signed Ryan O’Byrne, Mike Glumac, and Sean Belle.  The Canadiens are completely set for next season, and Bob Gainey is still stocking up on young players for his team.  Whether it is for the future or for now, it seems like Gainey is doing the right thing.  Grade: A

Nashville Predators

Signed Joel Ward and Kevin Klein.  These two players will not do too much in my mind, and I don’t think they are going to help this struggling Predators’ team.  Grade: F

New York Islanders

Signed Jeff Tambellini.  Tambellini had a slow year this year, but I think that he will bounce back.  However, the Islanders have still not done nearly enough this offseason.  Grade: C

New York Rangers

Signed Dan Fritsche and Nigel Dawes.  Fritsche was acquired about a week ago from the Jackets, and Dawes was a big force this year in New York.  Two good signings.  Grade: A+

Pittsburgh Penguins

Signed Ryan Stone, Kris Beech, and Bill Thomas.  These are three young guys who Ray Shero hopes will replace some of the elder veterans on his roster.  The Pens continue to have an unbelievable offseason.  Grade: A+

St. Louis Blues

Signed Matt Foy, Jay McClement, and Brad Winchester.  The Blues have failed miserably this offseason, and have not done nearly enough to help their team.  John Davidson has not done anything big since being announced as their President and GM a couple of years ago.  Grade: D

Vancouver Canucks

Signed Jason Krog.  Not a good signing, this guy does not seem to have enough to help the Canucks.  Vancouver is on the right track, but needs a little bit more.  Grade: A-

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