NHL Free Agency: Which Teams Dominate the Market?

Teams looking to improve immediately often turn to free agency in order to acquire talent.

The following is a look at which teams have done well in free agency over the last three years.

Credit to USA Today Free Agent Tracker for information about free agents.

Western Conference

San Jose Sharks

Overall trend: team has remained competitive every year because of good management.

Notable Arrivals:
D Rob Blake (from Kings, 2008)
RW Scott Nichol (from Predators, 2009)
G Antero Niittymaki (from Lightning, 2010)

Notable Departures:
D Brian Campbell (to Blackhawks, 2008)
LW Travis Moen (to Canadiens, 2009)
RW Mike Grier (to Sabres, 2009)
C Manny Malhotra (to Canucks, 2010)
G Evgeni Nabokov (to KHL, 2010)

Analysis:
The Sharks dominate the regular season and are perennial contenders because of their front office movements.

Certainly they have lost plenty of talent: Campbell was a great defensemen, Grier and Malhotra provided muscle, and Nabokov provided great netminding for many years.

Moen was not a great deadline move by the Sharks. Although the Sharks did not have to give up much (Nick Bonino, Timo Pielmeier, and a fourth-round draft pick in 2011) for Moen and Huskins (a competent defenseman who still remains on the team), Moen went pointless in six playoff games as the top-seeded Sharks were dismantled by the rival Anaheim Ducks.

Blake was the biggest pickup. They took a great veteran defenseman away from a rival team, the Kings, and allowed him to lead a young team through the playoffs last year.

Without landing Hjalmarsson, the Sharks will have to find someone to replace Blake's presence on the team.

Chicago Blackhawks

Overall Trend: key acquisitions led to Stanley Cup Championship.

Notable Arrivals:
D Brian Campbell (from Sharks, 2008)
RW Marian Hossa (from Red Wings, 2009)
C John Madden (from Devils, 2009)

Notable Departures:
G Nikolai Khabibulin (to Oilers, 2009)
RW Martin Havlat (to Wild, 2009)
RW Dustin Byfuglien (to Thrashers, 2010)
D Cam Barker (to Wild, 2010)
LW Andrew Ladd (to Thrashers, 2010)

Analysis:
Although the Blackhawks went from a despised franchise to a championship team that charmed the entire Windy City, the distribution of money in Chicago has been very questionable and the Hawks had to wave goodbye to many great players because of Campbell and Hossa's massive contracts.

The loss of Byfuglien, Barker, and Havlat may have a profound impact on the Hawks. Of course the team won a Cup without Barker and Havlat, but all three players played a major role in the revival of the franchise.

Management will have to allot resources better in the future in order to keep this franchise competitive.

Campbell has been a solid addition to the Hawks, but at too high of a price. Hossa, on the other hand, won his first Cup in three tries and should finish his career in Chicago.

Although he was not playing on the top line with Toews and Kane, he was an outstanding second-line player and knows how to navigate a team through the playoffs.

Vancouver Canucks

Overall trend: team becomes increasingly more competitive because of good management.

Notable Arrivals:
RW Steve Bernier (from Sabres, 2008)
RW Pavol Demitra (from Wild, 2008)
RW Mikael Samuelsson (from Red Wings, 2009)
C Manny Malhotra (from Sharks, 2010)
D Dan Hamhuis (from Predators, 2010)

Notable Departures:
RW Markus Naslund (to Rangers, 2008)
D Mattias Ohlund (to Lightning, 2009)

Analysis:
There is no denying that losing a dynamic player and longtime captain in Naslund was unfortunate for the Canucks, and the departure of Ohlund should not be overlooked. However, the 'Nucks make up for those losses by taking Demitra from the division rival Wild and picking up highly sought after Hamhuis to improve their team.

Naslund was practically the face of the franchise in his time in Vancouver. He served as captain starting in the 2000 season and had three straight 40-goal seasons after being named captain. During his 12 seasons as a Canuck only once did he fail to eclipse the 20-goal mark.

Before bolting to the KHL this year Demitra was a solid player for the Canucks. By picking him up in free agency the 'Nucks helped disassemble rival Minnesota Wild's top line of Marian Gaborik, Brian Rolston, and Demitra and added a 20-goal scorer to their team.

Phoenix Coyotes

Overall trend: led to playoff berth, but recent losses may set team back.

Notable Arrivals:
D Kurt Sauer (from Avalanche, 2008)
D Adrian Aucoin (from Flames, 2009)
LW Ray Whitney (from Hurricanes, 2010)

Notable Departures:
LW Nigel Dawes (to Flames, 2009)
D Zbynek Michalek (to Penguins, 2010)
C Matthew Lombardi (to Predators, 2010)

Analysis:
The reason why the Phoenix Coyotes were the darlings of the NHL last year—going to the playoffs for the first time since 2002 amidst monetary issues and rumors of movement—is because of the team's ability to improve using free agents. Without the addition of players like Sauer and Aucoin (and Mueller via trade), the 'Yotes would have gotten lost in the Pacific Division.

Losing a young player in Michalek is unfortunate for the Coyotes franchise. With a team built around protecting leads, Phoenix would love to have a player who is going to be a force on the blueline for years to come—especially one who was drafted and developed in the 'Yotes minor leagues.

Aucoin has been a rock on the blueline since 1992, when he was drafted 117th overall by the Canucks. His veteran presence in the locker room accompanied by the 30-some points he usually provides from the blueline will help the Coyotes remain competitive as long as he is on their roster.

Detroit Red Wings

Overall trend: usually tied down with cap issues, but the Wings always make crafty moves to stay among the NHL's elite.

Notable Arrivals:
RW Marian Hossa (from Penguins, 2008)
RW Todd Bertuzzi (from Flames, 2009)
C Jiri Hudler (from KHL, 2010)

Notable Departures:
RW Marian Hossa (to Blackhawks, 2009)
RW Mikael Samuelsson (to Canucks, 2009)
D Brett Lebda (to Maple Leafs, 2010)

Analysis:
Although the team is usually tied down in cap space and rarely ever able to make a big splash in free agency, the Wings have managed to bring in difference-makers on a regular basis.

Besides Hossa, Samuelsson has been the biggest loss for the Wings. He was a reliable 20-goal scorer for Detroit after arriving from Florida; Samuelsson thrived with his larger role in Vancouver. Last year he scored 30 goals and had 53 points.

Hossa has been the biggest arrival and departure in the last three years. After losing to the Wings as a member of the Penguins, Hossa took a pay cut to join the Wings. With Detroit he scored 40 goals—his first time reaching 40 goals since leading Atlanta to their first ever playoff birth in 2006—and got to the Stanley Cup...only to lose to Pittsburgh and leave for Chicago the next year.

Los Angeles Kings

Overall trend: The Kings have become a homegrown team and, unless they land Kovalchuk this year, have not made many major moves in free agency.

Notable Arrivals:
D Rob Scuderi (from Penguins, 2009)

Notable Departures:
D Rob Blake (to Sharks, 2008)
D Sean O'Donnell (to Flyers, 2010)

Analysis:
After years of disgraceful transactions and monotonous, futile play since the Gretzky years, the Kings have finally given the fans that stuck it out with them something to cheer about.

Blake has been the biggest loss for the Kings. Instead of retaining the recently-retired, longtime defensemen as a mentor to their team and a force on the blueline, they let him join the rival Sharks. Blake was a big reason the Sharks were able to hold down their Pacific Division title and advance to the Western Conference Finals.

The addition of Scuderi to the defensive corps has been a great upgrade for the Kings in their own zone. Scuderi is tough to play against and brings Stanley Cup experience to a young team looking to contend in the future.

Nashville Predators

Overall trend: small-market team has yet to woo corporate sponsors and the greater Tennessee community, therefore they have lost many great free agents who they cannot afford to keep long term.

Notable Arrivals:
C Matthew Lombardi (from Coyotes, 2010)

Notable Departures:
C Vernon Fiddler (to Coyotes, 2009)
C Scott Nichol (to Sharks, 2009)
D Dan Hamhuis (to Canucks, 2010)

Analysis:
The Nashville Predators have been competitive—five playoff appearances in six years—despite their amounting debt which has left them unable to sign talent they have developed.

Scott Hartnell (Sixth overall, 2000), Scottie Upshall (Sixth overall, 2002), and now Dan Hamhuis (12th overall, 2001) have left Nashville to join contenders and the team must now rely on young, homegrown talent to compliment Ryan Suter, recently captained Shea Weber, and Steve Sullivan, as they try to bring Preds enthusiasts their first playoff series victory in franchise history.

To their credit, the Nashville management brought in the speedy Matthew Lombardi from Phoenix. The longtime Calgary Flame should provide at least 20 goals and set up players like Steve Sullivan, Patric Hornqvist, and JP Dumont with his ability to dart into his own zone and weave around defenders.

Colorado Avalanche

Overall trend: team tends to field homegrown players, but Anderson was a big pickup for the team.

Notable Arrivals:
RW Darcy Tucker (from Maple Leafs, 2008)
G Craig Anderson (from Panthers, 2009)

Notable Departures:
D Kurt Sauer (to Coyotes, 2008)
D Jeff Finger (to Maple Leafs, 2008)
LW Andrew Brunette (to Wild, 2008)
RW Ian Laperriere (to Flyers, 2009)

Analysis:
The homegrown Avalanche tend to avoid splurging in free agency. While they have had some notable losses, the Avs had a major pick up in Anderson.

Brunette was the biggest loss for Colorado. From December of 2001 to February of 2009 Brunette played 509 straight games. His leadership off of the ice and tough play on it makes Brunette a valuable asset to any team.

The reason why the young Avs were able to come roaring out of the gates and scare the upset-prone Sharks in the first round was their netminder. Anderson seemingly came out of nowhere and made a name for himself as one of the greatest goaltenders in the league. His puck stopping ability has allowed Colorado's coaching staff to give their younger players more liberty with the puck.

St. Louis Blues

Overall trend: team tends to field homegrown players and has not been extremely active in free agency.

Notable Arrivals:
C David Backes (matched Canucks' offers sheet, 2008)

Notable Departures:
D Jay McKee (to Penguins, 2009)
G Chris Mason (to Thrashers, 2010)

Analysis:
St. Louis typically relies on talent from their minor league system to fill holes in their NHL roster. The team has not been very active in free agency and still has been able to field a competitive team.

The Blues have not lost a lot of players to free agency, but Mason will be missed. He may not be one of the best goaltenders in the league, but he certainly is reliable. Halak was brought in this year and should help the young Blues make a run for the playoffs.

Matching the Canucks' offer sheet on Backes was a wise move for the Blues. The winger has great upside which was showcased in his 31-goal, 54-point 2008 season and his ability to be productive in the Olympics for Team USA.

Calgary Flames

Overall trend: losing too much talent, not adding youth.

Notable Arrivals:
LW Curtis Glencross (from Oilers, 2008)
LW Alex Tanguay (from Lightning, 2010)
C Olli Jokinen (from Rangers, 2010)

Notable Departures:
RW Owen Nolan (to Wild, 2008)
LW Kristian Huselius (to Blue Jackets, 2008)
LW Michael Cammalleri (to Canadiens, 2009)
D Adrian Aucoin (to Coyotes, 2009)

Analysis:
Whether it be Nolan, Huselius, Aucoin, or Cammalleri, the Flames have lost great talent over the last few years. They have gone from a Stanley Cup contender in 2004 to downward spiraling non-playoff team. It is time for a youth movement in Calgary, not going back to what once was.

Cammalleri came over to Calgary from Los Angeles and had a 39-goal season in 2008. Unfortunately for Flames enthusiasts, the next year he left for Montreal and scored 13 goals in 19 playoff games, carrying the offensively-inept Canadiens within a series of the Stanley Cup. Cammalleri is a young talent that Calgary is definitely missing.

At one time, Jokinen and Tanguay were outstanding players in Calgary; however both players are growing older and passing their prime. Since 2008, Jokinen has not had a 20-goal season and Tanguay had only 10 goals with Tampa Bay's offensively potent team last year. The Flames are going back to the old well and there is no water left.

Anaheim Ducks

Overall trend: adding experienced players to help young core.

Notable Arrivals:
D Steve Montador* (from Panthers, 2008)
F Saku Koivu (from Montreal, 2009)
D Toni Lydman (from Sabres, 2010)

Notable Departures:
C Doug Weight (to Islanders, 2008)
D Francois Beauchemin (to Maple Leafs, 2009)

Analysis:
The Ducks are far from their Stanley Cup-winning year in 2007. The team has lost Chris Pronger, and Teemu Selanne has grown older. Although a youth movement is taking place in Anaheim, management has focused on using free agency to add experience to the Ducks' young roster.

An experienced veteran who leads by example, Weight was a big loss for the Ducks. His menacing demeanor on the ice and strong locker room presence would be valuable for their young team. A productive player if he remains healthy, Weight can play anywhere but would fit in well with Anaheim's defensively-minded team.

The longtime Canadiens captain, Koivu was brought in to mentor the Ducks' younger players. A consistent 20-goal scorer, Koivu remains productive while bringing out the best in the talent around him.

*No longer with team. Traded at deadline to Boston. Now in Buffalo.

Dallas Stars

Overall trend: With young team and management issues, the Stars have not made many moves in free agency.

Notable Arrivals:
LW Sean Avery* (from Rangers, 2008)
D Karlis Skrastins (from Panthers, 2009)
C Adam Burish (from Stars, 2010)

Notable Departures:
LW Niklas Hagman (to Maple Leafs, 2008)
RW Antti Miettinen (to Wild, 2008)
D Sergei Zubov (to KHL, 2009)
G Marty Turco (unknown, 2010)

Analysis:
The Stars have not done a great job in free agency. Although it is not their focus, they are preoccupied with getting their young players going by giving them more ice time. Signing older players to mentor the likes of Loui Eriksson, Trevor Daley, and Matt Niskanen and keep fans in the building would greatly benefit the team.

Although Turco has struggled since helping his team reach the Western Conference Finals in 2008, losing their franchise goaltender may hurt the Stars if Kari Lehtonen cannot return to form this year. It's surprising to see a onetime great like Turco unable to find an NHL home in this free agency.

The signing of Avery could not have gone any worse for the Stars. Looking to add an agitator to put goal scorers in the box and excite the crowd, Dallas spent $15.5 million on Avery, only to release him after he made his infamous "sloppy seconds" comment.

*No longer with team. Placed on waivers and picked up by Rangers.

Minnesota Wild

Overall Trend: Great pickups lately, but cannot make up for losses.

Notable Arrivals:
LW Andrew Brunette (from Avalanche, 2008)
RW Antti Miettinen (from Stars, 2008)
RW Owen Nolan (from Flames, 2008)
RW Martin Havlat (from Blackhawks, 2009)
C Matt Cullen (from Senators, 2010)

Notable Departures:
LW Aaron Voros (to Rangers, 2008)
RW Pavol Demitra (to Canucks, 2008)
RW Marian Gaborik (to Rangers, 2009)
LW Derek Boogaard (to Rangers, 2010)

Analysis:
The loss of Gaborik, Demitra, and Rolston (rights traded to Tampa Bay in 2008) has devastated the Wild. With the top line from their division-winning season playing elsewhere, the team has had to rely on free agent acquisitions Brunette and Miettinen, along with longtime Wild Mikko Koivu, to man the top line.

The most devastating loss for the Wild far and away is Gaborik. Although he is injury prone and shies away from physical play, his ability to score 30 goals during every season he has been healthy greatly boosted the Wild's offense and allowed them to compete with anyone in the league.

Brunette has been a solid pickup for the Wild. The Iron Man of the NHL up until February of 2009 and always contributes around 20 goals a season regardless of what is going on around him. A great mentor for younger players, Brunette will probably end his career knowing he is one of the most well-rounded players in the league.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Overall trend: team spent in 2008 in order to make a playoff run, but after falling short, have not created a sustainable team and sit in the cellar of Western Conference.

Notable Arrivals:
D Mike Commodore (from Senators, 2008)
LW Kristian Huselius (from Flames, 2008)

Notable Departures:
D Ron Hainsey (to Thrashers, 2008)

Analysis:
The Jackets were poised to make a playoff run in 2008, only to draw the Red Wings and be eliminated in four games. Although talent remains from their playoff season, the team is far from competitive. No recent signings indicate that Columbus will roll with what they have and see where it will take them.

Hainsey was the biggest loss for the Jackets. A major part of Atlanta's top four defensive corps, Hainsey has been a productive player and solid leader for the young Thrashers.

A member of the All-Rookie team in 2002, Huselius has been a 20-plus goal scorer at his stops in Florida and Calgary,. Huselius was a great pickup for Columbus and should be a part of its foundation for the future.

Edmonton Oilers

Overall trend: team has many problems, and losing players to free agency is one of them.

Notable Arrivals:
G Nikolai Khabibulin (from Blackhawks, 2009)
D Kurtis Foster (from Lightning, 2010)

Notable Departures:
D Joni Pitkanen (to Hurricanes, 2008)
LW Curtis Glencross (to Flames, 2008)
C Marty Reasoner (to Thrashers, 2008)
G Dwayne Roloson (to Islanders, 2009)

Analysis:
The Oil will look to the draft in order to add talent, but problems with free agency must be addressed if Edmonton is going to be competitive in the future.

Pitkanen is an offensive force from the blueline and would help the Oilers by adding another threat to their offense. The 'Canes have greatly benefited from his arrival in Carolina.

A young team needs great goaltending and the Oilers have it in Khabibulin. Capitalizing on the Blackhawks monetary mismanagement, Edmonton was able to add a great goaltender to their roster to help steal close games.

Eastern Conference

Washington Capitals

Overall trend: many losses, but team's drafting and free agent moves have kept the Caps competitive.

Notable Arrivals:
G Jose Theodore (from Avalanche, 2008)
RW Mike Knuble (from Flyers, 2009)
C Brendan Morrison (from Stars, 2009)

Notable Departures:
G Cristobal Huet (to Blackhawks, 2008)
G Olaf Kolzig (to Lightning, 2008)
LW Matt Cooke (to Penguins, 2008)
LW Donald Brashear (to Rangers, 2009)
C Sergei Fedorov (to KHL, 2009)
C Viktor Kozlov (to KHL, 2009)
D Joe Corvo (to Hurricanes, 2010)

Analysis:
The drafting of players like Alexander Ovechkin, Mike Green, and Niklas Backstrom has allowed the Capitals to remain competitive despite the departure of Fedorov and Kozlov to the KHL in 2009.

Brashear may not have scored many goals, but his presence on the ice allowed the Capitals' skill players more room with the puck and their defensemen to make big hits against threatening puckhandlers. A warrior on the ice, Brashear was attacked by the infamous enforcer Marty McSorley during a game in 2000 and received a grade three concussion.

Knuble has been the best pickup for the Caps. After arriving last year from Philadelphia, he had 29 goals and 53 points in 69 games. A 20-goal scorer ever since the 2002 season, Knuble is poised to have a 30-goal season next year if he remains healthy.

New Jersey Devils

Overall trend: Although the team usually loses talent every year, the players they have developed have more than made up for the losses.

Notable Arrivals:
RW Brian Rolston (from Lightning via Wild, 2008)
D Henrik Tallinder (from Sabres, 2010)
D Anton Volchenkov (from Senators, 2010)

Notable Departures:
RW Arron Asham (to Flyers, 2008)
RW Brian Gionta (to Canadiens, 2009)
C John Madden (to Blackhawks, 2009)
D Paul Martin (to Penguins, 2010)
C Rob Niedermayer (to Sabres, 2010)

Analysis:
Last year when Gionta and Madden left for Montreal and Chicago, respectively, the Devils were written off as a borderline playoff team. However, the core of Rolston, Zach Parise, Jamie Langenbrunner, and Travis Zajac all propelled New Jersey into the playoffs... only to lose in the first round.

Despite being far removed from his 48-goal 2005 season, Gionta provided offense for the Canadiens in their seemingly out-of-nowhere playoff run. Although Mike Cammalleri was the most offensively potent player in Montreal, Gionta came through when he was needed in the playoffs: scoring 15 points in 19 playoff games.

The team has yet to see if Tallinder and Volchenkov—who, along with Dan Hamhuis, was the defensive prize of the 2010—will perform in New Jersey. However, their acquisition of Rolston, and his monster slapshot, in 2008 has paid dividends for the Devils. His production has decreased—Rolston had 30-goals in each of his three seasons in Minnesota, he hasn't reached that mark since—but he provides a mentor to the younger players around him and has a great understanding of New Jersey's defense-first system.

Buffalo Sabres

Overall trend: The homegrown Sabres tend to avoid making big splashes in free agency, but when they do, they tend to gain more than they lose.

Notable Arrivals:
D Steve Montador (from Bruins, 2009)
RW Mike Grier (from Sharks, 2009)
D Jordan Leopold (from Penguins, 2010)
C Rob Niedermayer (from Devils, 2010)

Notable Departures:
RW Steve Bernier (to Canucks, 2008)
D Jaroslav Spacek (to Canadiens, 2009)
D Toni Lydman (to Ducks, 2010)
D Henrik Tallinder (to Devils, 2010)

Analysis:
The Sabres rely on homegrown talent and avoid spending excessively in order to keep their small-market team productive and profitable year in and year out.

Losing Spacek to the Canadiens hurt the Sabres. Although he did not have an incredibly productive season in Montreal, 21 points as opposed to the 45 he had in 2008 with Buffalo, Spacek provided an offensive spark from the blueline while in a Sabres uniform—something Buffalo will look to Leopold to replace next year.

Montador, on the other hand, was a great player. The undrafted defensemen has had at least 20 points in the last three years. Although he is not as productive as Spacek, he has a mean streak and can hold his own in the defensive end of the rink.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Overall trend: The Penguins have kept the heart of their team together, but have also lost a lot of talent to free agency.

Notable Arrivals:
LW Ruslan Fedotenko (from Islanders, 2008)
LW Matt Cooke (from Capitals, 2008)
D Jay McKee (from Blues, 2009)
D Martin Skoula (from Wild, 2009)
D Zbynek Michalek (from Coyotes, 2010)
D Paul Martin (from Devils, 2010)

Notable Departures:
RW Marian Hossa (to Red Wings, 2008)
LW Jarkko Ruutu (to Senators, 2008)
RW Georges Laraque (to Canadiens, 2008)
D Hal Gill (to Canadiens, 2009)
D Rob Scuderi (to Kings, 2009)
D Sergei Gonchar (to Senators, 2010)
D Jordan Leopold (to Sabres, 2010)
D Mark Eaton (to Islanders, 2010)

Analysis:
The Penguins have been competitive over the last three year because of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Co. However, the team went out and got talent this year knowing that they have lost players like Hossa, Gill, and Scuderi and that some of their players, like Gonchar, are aging.

Over the last three years, Gill has been the biggest loss. He was a major part of the Canadiens' improbable run through the playoffs last year, shutting down Alex Ovechkin, Niklas Backstrom, and Alexander Semin in the first round and Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, before losing to the Flyers in five games.

Fedotenko has been a solid pickup for the Pens. He has not been the most productive player since joining Pittsburgh, with 11 goals last year, but he is a good locker room presence and can help the Penguins navigate through the playoffs in the years to come.

Ottawa Senators

Overall trend: With the exception of Dany Heatley (traded to Sharks), the offensive core of the Sens remains in tact, but generally they lose more talent than they gain in free agency.

Notable Arrivals:
LW Jarkko Ruutu (from Penguins, 2008)
RW Alexei Kovalev (from Canadiens, 2009)
D Sergei Gonchar (from Penguins, 2010)

Notable Departures:
LW Cory Stillman (to Panthers, 2008)
D Mike Commodore (to Blue Jackets, 2008)
G Ray Emery (to KHL)
D Andrej Meszaros (to Lightning, 2008)
C Mike Comrie (to Oilers, 2009)
D Anton Volchenkov (to Devils, 2010)
C Matt Cullen (to Wild, 2010)

Analysis:
The Ottawa Senators have gone from an abysmal expansion team to perennial contenders by bringing in offensive-minded players who can overwhelm trapping teams. This year's acquisition of Gonchar should help add offense, but he's a defensive liability and the team no longer has Volchenkov to punish puck carriers in the defensive zone.

The loss of Volchenkov will hurt the Sens. Without a big, bruising defensemen to deter speedy danglers and crafty snipers from getting to the slot or coming across the middle, Ottawa must rely on its potent offense to maintain a lead in high-scoring games.

Kovalev has been a solid acquisition for the Senators. Although he hasn't had a 30-goal season since 2007, Kovalev has offensive upside and age to guide the Senators deep into the postseason. However, he has to have a career this year in order to support Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson as they try to make up for a poor defense in Ottawa.

Boston Bruins

Overall trend: team has not been very active in free agency, but got a big pickup in Michael Ryder.

Notable Arrivals:
RW Michael Ryder (from Canadiens, 2008)
D Derek Morris (from Rangers, 2009)

Notable Departures:
D Steve Montador (to Sabres, 2009)
D Shane Hnidy (to Wild, 2009)
LW P.J. Axelsson (to SEL, 2009)

Analysis:
The Bruins have not been very active in free agency, which is an interesting approach for a big-market team like Boston.

Although Hnidy and Axelsson were good players in their own right, Montador has been the biggest loss for the Bruins. His production from the blueline is valuable and Boston was offensively stagnant last year.

Their major acquisition, Ryder, has been worth the price with the Bruins. Although his production slowed last year, in the 2008 season, he had 27 goals and should be expected to eclipse the 30-goal mark next season.

Philadelphia Flyers

Overall trend: If last year's Eastern Conference Champions are going to avoid the Stanley Cup hangover, it is going to be because of the team's effective use of free agency.

Notable Arrivals:
RW Arron Asham (from Devils, 2008)
RW Ian Laperriere (from Avalanche, 2009)
D Sean O'Donnell (from Kings, 2010)
RW Jody Shelley (from Rangers, 2010)
RW Nikolai Zherdev (from KHL, 2010)

Notable Departures:
RW Mike Knuble (to Capitals, 2009)
G Antero Niittymaki (to Lightning, 2009)
G Martin Biron (to Islanders, 2009)

Analysis:
The Flyers have used free agency effectively to make their team tougher, while moving players on who were not performing well. If there is one problem with management, however, it is that they are unsure who will be goaltending, and both Niittymaki and Biron are competent netminders.

Knuble is an offensive force for the Capitals and could help the gritty Flyers find the back of the net. In his four years in Philly he had at least 20 goals and netted 29 with Washington last year.

Asham and Laperriere both bring the same quality to the table for the Broad Street Bullies: toughness. Both players are willing to mix it up in order to create room for their forwards and keep agitators at bay. Either can also find the back of the net when they are not in the penalty box.

Montreal Canadiens

Overall Trend: The team has lost a lot of talent, but were able to add the parts necessary to make a playoff run last year.

Notable Arrivals:
RW Georges Laraque (from Penguins, 2008)
D Jaroslav Spacek (from Sabres, 2009)
RW Brian Gionta (from Devils, 2009)
LW Michael Cammalleri (from Flames, 2009)
D Hal Gill (from Penguins, 2009)
D Paul Mara (from Rangers, 2009)
LW Travis Moen (from Sharks, 2009)

Notable Departures:
D Mark Streit (to Islanders, 2008)
RW Michael Ryder (to Bruins, 2008)
C Mikhail Grabovski (to Maple Leafs, 2008)
D Mike Komisarek (to Maple Leafs, 2009)
RW Alex Kovalev (to Senators, 2009)
F Saku Koivu (to Ducks, 2009)
D Mathieu Schneider (to Canucks, 2009)
LW Alex Tanguay (to Lightning, 2009)
G Dan Ellis (to Lightning, 2010)

Analysis:
The Canadiens' big free-agent splurge in 2009 paid off last year, as many of the players acquired—especially Cammalleri and Gil—played a major role in the team's miracle run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Habs lost their longtime captain when Koivu left in free agency to join the Ducks. His leadership in the locker room and consistency on the ice make him a valuable asset to the Ducks and would have been valuable to Montreal as they climbed up the playoff ladder last year.

Cammalleri has been the biggest addition for the Canadiens. Although he was unable to emulate his 39-goal 2009 season in Calgary due to injury, his production in the playoffs (13 goals in 19 games) allowed the offensively-challenged Habs advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

New York Rangers

Overall trend: The Rangers have been very active in free agency and, while they have picked up talent, it is yet to be determined if they have gained as much as they have lost

Notable Arrivals:
D Wade Redden (from Senators, 2008)
LW Aaron Voros (from Wild, 2008)
RW Markus Naslund (from Canucks, 2008)
D Dimitri Kalinin (from Sabres, 2008)
LW Donald Brashear (from Capitals, 2009)
RW Marian Gaborik (from Wild, 2009)
C Vinny Prospal (from Lightning, 2009)
G Martin Biron (from Islanders, 2010)
LW Derek Boogaard (from Wild, 2010)

Notable Departures:
LW Sean Avery* (from Stars, 2008)
RW Jaromir Jagr (to KHL, 2008)
C Martin Straka (to Czech Extraliga, 2008)
RW Colton Orr (to Maple Leafs, 2009)
RW Nik Antropov (to Thrashers, 2009)
D Paul Mara (to Canadiens, 2009)
D Derek Morris (to Bruins, 2009)
RW Jody Shelley (to Flyers, 2010)
C Olli Jokinen (to Flames, 2010)

Analysis:
Rangers fans will use this year to determine how if the team's moves in free agency have improved the team. In order to compete for attention in New York, the Rangers must be a playoff team and a legitimate contender—something they were not last year.

When Jagr left the NHL for Russia, New York lost a 30-plus goal scorer and a brand-name player that the team could market. Jagr has talked of a possible return after his appearance in the Olympics, but word is that he'll either stay in the KHL or go to the Oilers because they expressed most interest in him.

Gaborik has been a big pick up for the Rangers. His 42-goal, 86-point performance last year were similar to the numbers he put up in the 2007 season when he led the Minnesota Wild to their first-ever division title. He may not be as marketable as Jagr, but if he has the right supporting cast around him, he should make the Rangers a contender in the future.

*Remains on team. Acquired on waivers from Dallas.

Atlanta Thrashers

Overall trend: Through free agency, the Thrashers have gained more talent than they have lost.

Notable Arrivals:
D Ron Hainsey (from Blue Jackets, 2008)
C Marty Reasoner* (from Oilers, 2008)
RW Nikolai Antropov (from Rangers, 2009)
G Chris Mason (from Blues, 2010)

Notable Departures:
C Bobby Holik (to Devils, 2008)
RW Mark Recchi (to Lightning, 2008)
RW Colby Armstrong (to Maple Leafs, 2010)
G Johan Hedberg (to Devils, 2010)
D Pavel Kubina (to Lightning, 2010)

Analysis:
Management in Atlanta is looking to build a team that can win its first playoff game in franchise history. They have brought in talent via trade (see: former Blackhawks Byfuglien, Eager, and Sopel) and through signing free agents. The team is talented enough to compete in the East; it is now up to the players and coaches to make it happen.

By moving Holik and Recchi. the Thrash have made their team younger. For a team that has not been successful outside of their division-winning 2006 season, purging the roster of expensive contracts and allowing lower-paid prospects take the ice and learn the NHL game is a good idea, but having a player like Holik or Recchi to give younger players direction is also very important.

Antropov has been a great pickup for the Thrash. He's an experienced player that has enough size to set up young wingers like Niclas Bergfors and Evander Kane and screen goaltenders to allow Hainsey and Zach Bogosian snipe from the blueline.

*No longer on team. Traded to Chicago in Byfuglien, Eager, and Sopel deal.

Carolina Hurricanes

Overall trend: The 'Canes have not been very active in free agency, but have picked up valuable talent when they have signed players.

Notable Arrivals:
D Andrew Alberts (from Flyers, 2009)*
RW Tom Kostopoulos (from Canadiens, 2009)
D Anton Babchuk (from KHL, 2010)
D Joe Corvo (from Capitals, 2010)

Notable Departures:
D Dennis Seidenberg (to Panthers, 2009)
LW Ray Whitney (to Coyotes, 2010)

Analysis:
Carolina has been very successful using homegrown talent and rarely splurge on big-name free agents. The team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2008 consisted mostly of players that had been in the 'Canes' minor league system.

After a horrific start to the season, management in Carolina decided that it was time for a youth movement. They allowed Whitney, a 38-year old veteran that helped the 'Canes win the Cup in 2006, to walk in the offseason. His production—20 goals in the last four seasons—and presence in the locker room will be missed in Carolina.

Babchuk could end up being a great player for Carolina. After spending a few years splitting time between the NHL, AHL, and spending a year in Russia, Babchuk had a breakout season in 2008, scoring 16 goals from the blueline in 72 games. After a contract dispute, Babchuk bolted to the KHL, but he's back this year and primed to repeat his performance in 2008.

*No longer on team. Traded to Vancouver.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Overall trend: The Lightning have been very active in free agency and must make better acquisitions in order to be competitive in the future.

Notable Arrivals:
RW Radim Vrbata (from Coyotes, 2008)
G Olaf Kolzig (from Capitals, 2008)
RW Mark Recchi (from Thrashers, 2008)
D Andrej Meszaros (from Senators, 2008)
D Mattias Ohlund (from Canucks, 2009)
D Matt Walker (from Blackhawks, 2009)
G Antero Niittymaki (from Flyers, 2009)*
LW Alex Tanguay* (from Canadiens, 2009)
G Dan Ellis (from Lightning, 2010)
D Pavel Kubina (from Thrashers, 2010)
D Brett Clark (from Avalanche, 2010)

Notable Departures:
RW Brian Rolston (to Devils, 2008)
RW Andre Roy (to Flames, 2008)
C Vinny Prospal (to Rangers, 2009)
C Zenon Konopka (to Islanders, 2010)

Analysis:
Bringing hockey legend Steve Yzerman on board to manage the Lightning should help the team become better by adding the right players through free agency. Had the Lightning used free agency more effectively, they could have built off of the momentum generated by their Stanley Cup victory and kept the St. Pete Times Forum at maximum capacity.

The Lightning did not realize how much they missed Prospal until he left. His consistency, almost 20 goals in every year since 2000, is exactly what the Bolts need in the future. Consistent players like Prospal will bring stability to the Tampa Bay franchise, something they desperately need.

A big, experienced blueliner who knows how to keep puck carriers to the outside, Ohlund has been a quality pickup for the Bolts. Tampa uses an offensively-minded, wide open style of play in order to get maximum productivity out of Lecavalier, Stamkos, and St. Louis, and must accumulate more players like Ohlund who can hold their own in the defensive zone.

*No longer on team.

New York Islanders

Overall trend: The Islanders have used free agency effectively in order to improve their team.

Notable Arrivals:
D Mark Streit (from Canadiens, 2008)
C Doug Weight (from Ducks, 2008)
G Dwayne Roloson (from Oilers, 2009)
D Mark Eaton (from Penguins, 2010)
D Milan Jurcina (from Capitals, 2010)
C Zenon Konopka (from Lightning, 2010)

Notable Departures:
RW Miroslav Satan (to Penguins, 2008)
LW Ruslan Fedotenko (to Penguins, 2008)
RW Tim Jackman (to Flames, 2010)

Analysis:
If the New York Islanders are going to climb out of the Eastern Conference cellar, they must continue to use free agency effectively. The Islanders' ability to evaluate NHL-proven talent has allowed them to improve their team and build for the future.

A prolific scorer in his prime, the Islanders appear to have moved Satan on at the right time. His 35-goal season came in 2005 and his production has dropped off since. However, if New York has miscalculated and Satan returns to form, his veteran presence and ability to put the puck in the net would be valuable to the Islanders.

One of only two Swiss players in the NHL, Streit has been a quality pickup for the Isles. Written off as unable to play in the NHL, Streit had to play in the Swiss-A league and the ECHL before his first season in the NHL (2005). Since 2006, Streit's first full year in the NHL, he has had at least 10 goals a season—an impressive mark for a defenseman drafted in the ninth round.

Florida Panthers

Overall trend: Florida's inability to bring in quality talent through free agency is one of many reasons why the Panthers have been the NHL's doormat since the lockout.

Notable Arrivals:
LW Cory Stillman (from Senators, 2008)
D Rory Fitzpatrick (from Flyers, 2008)
D Dennis Seidenberg (from Hurricanes, 2009)
LW Chris Higgins (from Flames, 2010)

Notable Departures:
D Steve Montador (to Ducks, 2008)
RW Richard Zednik (to KHL, 2009)
G Craig Anderson (to Avalanche, 2009)
D Karlis Skrastins (to Stars, 2009)
LW Tanner Glass (to Canucks, 2009)

Analysis:
Dave Tallon will have to do a lot of work to put the Panthers on the map in Miami. The team has been completely mismanaged and has been irrelevant ever since they went to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996.

The only reason why the loss of Anderson to Colorado doesn't hurt the South Florida faithful is that they have Tomas Vokoun in net. The Avs would never have gone as far as they did last year without Anderson and his ability to keep the NHL's most talented snipers from finding the back of his net.

On the other hand, Stillman has been a great pickup for the Cats. He has yet to play a full season, but if he remains healthy and Tallon can build a solid team around him, he should be a consistent 20-goal scorer in the future.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Overall trend: Through trading and free agency, the Leafs have begun to turn their franchise around and should be competitive in years to come.

Notable Arrivals:
D Jeff Finger (from Avalanche, 2008)
LW Niklas Hagman (from Stars, 2008)
G Curtis Joseph (from Flames, 2008)
C Mikhail Grabovski (from Canadiens, 2008)
D Mike Komisarek (from Canadiens, 2009)
RW Colton Orr (from Rangers, 2009)
D Francois Beauchemin (from Ducks, 2009)
RW Colby Armstrong (from Thrashers, 2010)
D Brett Lebda (from Red Wings, 2010)

Notable Departures:
RW Darcy Tucker (to Avalanche, 2008)

Analysis:
Toronto, a big-market team with fans who are crazy about hockey, has done what it can to turn its team from Eastern Conference bottom-feeders into a competitive team.

Tucker is the only major loss for the Leafs. The longtime Maple Leaf's production has dropped as he has gotten older, but his veteran presence was paramount in the Colorado locker room.

In Komisarek, the Leafs have a strong defenseman who can score from the blueline and rattle bodies in his defensive end. A leader on and off the ice, Komisarek is a a big part of Toronto's future.