NHL Free Agent News: Grading the Offseason Moves for All 30 Teams

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GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 29: Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on March 29, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Stars 2-1 in an overtime shoot out. (Photo by Christian

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

We have hit that point in the summer where it is almost time for NHL training camp and all the offseason moves seem to have been completed.

It was a very active summer for some teams, while other teams decided to make minor additions to their rosters.

I know it is still summer and school isn't quite back in session but did each team make the grade after making their offseason moves?

Here is a report card for each team given the offseason moves they made. The grade represents the moves each team made and how it their team better or worse for the upcoming season.

Anaheim Ducks

EDMONTON, CANADA - MARCH 17: Andrew Cogliano #13 of the Edmonton Oilers during the game against the Phoenix Coyotes on March 17, 2011 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)

Dale MacMillan/Getty Images

Grade: C

Acquisitions: Jeff Deslauriers, Andrew Cogliano

Lost: Josh Green, Andreas Lilja

The Ducks still are waiting to see if Teemu Selanne will return next season. If he doesn't this will be a huge lose for the Ducks.

On the other hand Andrew Cogliano was a good pickup for the Ducks. He will fit in Anaheim.

Boston Bruins

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 04: Joe Corvo #77 of the Carolina Hurricanes controls the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on March 4, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Hurricanes 5-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Image

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Grade: B-

Added: Benoit Pouliot, Joe Corvo

Lost: Michael Ryder, Tomas Kaberle

The Bruins really stayed the same for the most part this offseason. The additions of Pouliot and Corvo will give the B's some depth in the defense core.

Kaberle was an overpaid defenseman whose best years were behind him. Adding two solid defenseman was a smart move for the Stanley Cup Champions.

Michael Ryder was an unfortunate loss but the Bruins have many young players ready to step up in a larger capacity.

Buffalo Sabres

VANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 10: Christian Ehrhoff #5 of the Vancouver Canucks skates during Game Five of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Arena on June 10, 2011 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Harry How/Getty Images

Grade: A-

Added: Drew Stafford, Nathan Gerbe, Christian Ehrhoff, Ville Leino, Robyn Reghr

Lost: C Tim Connolly, Steve Montador, Chris Butler

Owner Terry Pegula's Buffalo Sabres are a lot better now today than they were back in June.

They retained many of their top free agents, added a great puck moving defenseman in Christian Ehrhoff, and added offensive dynamo Ville Leino.

Yes they lost Tim Connolly but he was an injury prone player during his time in Buffalo.

Calgary Flames

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Grade: B

Added: Scott Hannan, Alex Tangauy, Curtis Glencross

Lost: Adam Pardy, Robyn Reghr

After losing out on the Brad Richards sweepstakes, the Flames went to work to keep their free agents under lock and key.

Top free agents Alex Tangauy and Curtis Glencross were inked to new deals this offseason and the Flames added journeyman Scott Hannan.

The Flames lost Adam Pardy but his role will be replaced by Scott Hannan.

Carolina Hurricanes

VANCOUVER, BC - JUNE 15: Tomas Kaberle #12 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Vancouver Canucks in Game Seven of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Arena on June 15, 2011 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Grade: B-

Signed: Brian Boucher, Alexei Ponikarovsky Tomas Kaberle,Anthony Stewart, Tim Brent

Lost: Erik Cole , Joe Corvo

The Hurricanes lost Erik Cole and essentially replaced him with Alexi Ponikarovsky. Cole was a great player for the Hurricanes and getting Ponikarovsky as a replacement doesn't make sense.

Brian Boucher is an average acquisition for the Hurricanes, but Cam Ward needs a night or two off every now and then.

Tomas Kaberle is an upgrade from Joe Corvo but Kaberle is an older player on the tail end of his career. The Canes also added Anthony Stewart and Tim Brent who add some youth to the club.

Overall Carolina had an average offseason.

Chicago Blackhawks

ST PAUL, MN - MARCH 22: Andrew Brunette #15 of the Minnesota Wild skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Xcel Energy Center on March 22, 2011 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Grade: B

Added: Steve Montador, Andrew Brunette, Daniel Carcillo

Lost: Tomas Kopecky, Jeff Taffe, Troy Brouwer, Brian Campbell

The Blackhawks made some decent moves this offseason. They added a good two way scorer in Andrew Brunette, a capable defenseman in Steve Montador, and kept a good agitator in Daniel Carcillo.

The losses for the Hawks were minimal as they kept their depth.

The biggest move was signing Patrick Sharp to a five year contract extension. This was a smart move as Sharp is a versatile forward.

Colorado Avalanche

TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 07: JS Giguere #35 of the Toronto Maple Leafs protects the corner in a game against the Atlanta Thrashers on February 7, 2011 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada. The Leafs defeated the Thrashers 5-4. (Photo by Claus An

Claus Andersen/Getty Images

Grade: B-

Added: J.S. Giguere, Seymon Varlamov, Jan Hjeda

Lost: Brian Elliot, Peter Budaj, J.M. Liles, Tomas Fleishmann

The Av's took care of business with their key free agent Milan Hejduk and they had time to lock up some of their other players.

Colorado really upgraded their goaltending when they acquired J.S. Giguere and Seymon Varlamov. This team is setting itself up for success in the future so fans may need to weather the storm this season.

Overall, Colorado had a good offseason.

Columbus Blue Jackets

John Grieshop/Getty Images

Grade: A

Added: James Wisniewski, Jeff Carter, Vinny Prospal

Lost: Jakub Voracek, Mathieu Garon, Scottie Upshall Jan Hejda , Mike Commodore

The Columbus Blue Jackets really stepped their game up. By adding James Wisniewski, Vinny Prospal, and Jeff Carter to the fold, the Blue Jackets along with Rick Nash will have a potent power play unit.

There were some losses this offseason but they are minimal when you take a look at a franchise that could contend for a playoff spot this season.

Dallas Stars

EDMONTON, CANADA - DECEMBER 21: Sheldon Souray #44 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the St. Louis Blues during their NHL game on December 21, 2009 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)

Dale MacMillan/Getty Images

Grade: D

Added: Adam Pardy, Radek Dvorak, Vernon Fiddler, Michael Ryder, Sheldon Souray

Lost: F Brad Richards

I had to give the Stars a low grade because nothing makes up for the loss of their franchise player Brad Richards. He had put the Star in Dallas Stars

Looking past Richards, the Stars added some depth forwards in Michael Ryder and Radek Dvorak. They also signed depth defensemen Adam Pardy and Sheldon Souray.

Overall it's going to be a tough next couple of seasons for the Stars as long as they have shaky ownership.

Detroit Red Wings

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Grade A-

Added: Nicklas Lidstrom, Jonathan Ericsson, Patrick Eaves, Mike Commodore, Drew Miller, Ian White

Lost: Derek Meech, Brian Rafalski

Other than signing Ian White and Mike Commodore, the Red Wings took care of signing their key players especially Nicklas Lidstrom.

The Wings are going to be at a crossroads when they have to replace Lidstrom next offseason.

Edmonton Oilers

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 26: Ben Eager #55 of the San Jose Sharks warms up before the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on March 26, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Sharks defeated the Coyotes 4-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty I

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Grade: B-

Added: Ben Eager, Cam Barker , Eric Belanger

Lost: Sheldon Souray, Jim Vandermeer, Andrew Cogliano

The Edmonton Oilers are a team that continually upgrade and work through the draft. They added Ryan Nugent Hopkins to a youth core in the works and they added defenseman Ben Eager, Cam Barker, and Eric Belanger.

Losses for the Oilers include Sheldon Souray, Jim Vandermeer, and Andrew Cogliano.

The Oilers are going to have a rough road ahead until all their youth players are in the starting lineup.

Florida Panthers

OTTAWA- SEPTEMBER 20: Tomas Fleishmann #43 of the Washington Capitals skates in a game against the Ottawa Senators on September 20, 2007 at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Canada. The Senators won 5-4. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)

Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

Grade: B+

Added: Tomas Kopecky, Jose Theodore, Ed Jovanovski, Scottie Upshall, Tomas Fleischmann, Sean Bergenheim, Brian Campbell, Kris Versteeg

Lost: F Niclas Bergfors, Marty Reasoner, Darcy Hordichuk, Tomas Vokoun

Dale Tallon really went to town during the offseason. Money was not an option as the Panthers needed to spend to the cap floor.

The Panthers added some depth forwards, some defenseman and a backup goalie in Jose Theodore. Florida unveiled new jerseys at the draft and they have acquired some new players to fill that role.

Los Angeles Kings

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 02: Mike Richards #18 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Bruins during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 2, 2011 in Philadelphia, Penns

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

Grade: A-

Added: Simon Gagne, Mike Richards

Lost: F Alexei Ponikarovsky, Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn

Simon Gagne and Mike Richards were once partners in crime during their days on Broad Street in Philadelphia.

Now they will be reunited in Hollywood. The Kings wanted to sign Brad Richards but where unable to so they went the safe route by trading for the new best Richards before the start of free agency.

The Kings may have lost Alexei Ponikarovksy but the additions they made make up for it in the long run.

Minnesota Wild

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 26: Dany Heatley #15 of the San Jose Sharks warms up before the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on March 26, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Sharks defeated the Coyotes 4-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Gett

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Grade: B

Added: Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle and Dany Heatley (all traded from San Jose)

Lost: G Jose Theodore Andrew Brunette, Cam Barker (Edmonton), Brent Burns, and Martin Havlat (traded to San Jose)

The Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks were very trade happy this offseason. Through the trades, Minnesota added Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle and Dany Heatley.

The Wild however parted ways with Jose Theodore, Andrew Brunette, Brent Burns, Cam Barker, and Martin Havlat

The Wild traded some away but they did acquire some talented players.

Montreal Canadiens

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Erik Cole #26 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on March 29, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Rob Carr/Getty Images

Grade- C+

Added: Peter Budaj and Erik Cole

Lost: Alex Auld, James Wisniewski, Jeff Halpern, Roman Hamrlik, and Benoit Pouliot

The Canadiens had an interesting offseason. They lost a top d-man in James Wisiniewski but gained Erik Cole who is a serviceable forward.

Cole will be a 2nd line forward for the Canadiens and should fit in well.

Other notable moves include retaining Andrei Markov, Andrei Kosistyen, and Max Pacciorety.

The Canadiens added some talent but lost some at the same time.

Nashville Predators

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Grade: C+

Added: Niclas Bergfors

Lost: Steve Sullivan, Joel Ward , Matthew Lombardi, Cody Franson

The Nashville Predators made only a few moves during free agency as they were at the mercy of Shea Weber and his arbitration.

The Predators have to pay Weber $ 7.5 million dollars this year and that figure or more next year. There is a good chance that he could be dealt sometime before next offseason.

When one player inhibits the moves you can make you come out on the losing end.

New Jersey Devils

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

Grade: D-

Added: Jay Leach, Andy Greene,Johan Hedberg, Zach Parise,

Lost: D Tyler Eckford, Brian Rolston

The Devils absolutely accomplished very little this offseason. They utterly failed to lock up their most important player and future captain Zach Parise.

One year deals often are a precursor to a player leaving town.

It is hard to be a fan when you say your biggest move was locking up Andy Green for four more years.

New York Islanders

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 23: Marty Reasoner #19 of the Florida Panthers controls the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on March 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Panthers 4-0. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Imag

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Grade: C-

Added: LW Trevor Gillies, Marty Reasoner, Michael Grabner

Lost: D Bruno Gervais & Zenon Konopka

The Islanders added Marty Reasoner along with handing out some contract extensions. They parted ways with Bruno Gervais and enforcer Zenon Konopka.

The Islanders are a team that will have a tough negotiation with star player John Tavares next season. With the impending relocation of the Islanders, Tavares will have a tough decision to make.

The Isles are a team that is relying on the talent in their system in order to once again become a playoff contender.

New York Rangers

Grade: A

Additions: Brad Richards, Mike Rupp, Tim Erixon, Ruslan Fedotenko, Steve Eminger

Lost: Vinny Prospal, Matt Gilroy, Todd White, Bryan McCabe

The Rangers made the biggest splash in free agency when they inked Brad Richards to a nine year contract.Richards joins a Rangers team that missed that top line center to set up Marian Gaborik.

Mike Rupp is a great versatile player to play the wing or center position. He can fit on the 3rd or 4th line and is an intimidator at 6'5.

The Rangers also acquired Tim Erixon in a trade that sent two second round draft picks to the Calgary Flames.

On their own end the Rangers re-signed core RFA's Artem Ansimov, Brian Boyle, Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky and Michael Sauer.

The Rangers may have lost Vinny Prospal and Matt Gilroy but the additions make these loses a moot point.

Ottawa Senators

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 24: Alex Auld #35 of the Montreal Canadiens stops a shot in the third period by the Boston Bruins on March 24, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 7-0. (Photo by Elsa/Gett

Elsa/Getty Images

Grade: C-

Added: Alex Auld, Zenon Konopka, Erik Condra

Lost: Curtis McElhinney

The Senators didn't make many moves. They added Alex Auld and Zenon Konopka but they haven't really improved much.

The Senators are going to have another tough year ahead of them.

Philadelphia Flyers

VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 23: Jaromir Jagr #68 of Czech Republic is pursued by Janis Sprukts #5 of Latvia during the ice hockey Men's Play-off qualification match between the Czech Republic and Latvia on day 12 of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics at UBC

Harry How/Getty Images

Grade: C

Added: Ilya Byzgalov, Wayne Simmonds, Jakub Voracek, Jaromir Jagr, Maxime Talbot, Brayden Schenn

Lost: Brian Boucher, Ville Leino, Sean O'Donnell Daniel Carcillo.

Mike Richards (traded to Los Angeles Kings) & Jeff Carter (traded Columbus Blue Jackets)

The Flyers went through a totally makeover this offseason. They effectively traded the heart of their lineup in Carter and Richards and in turn will rely on Jaromir Jagr, and Maxime Talbot as replacement.

Jaromir Jagr was once a great player but can he play a healthy 82 games. I can' see a situation where a team comes out better for the 2011-12 when they trade away their top scorers.

Phoenix Coyotes

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 15: Boyd Gordon #15 of the Washington Capitals skates against the New York Rangers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center on April 15, 2011 in Washington, DC.

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Grade: B-

Added: Alex Bolduc, Boyd Gordon, Jason LaBarbera , Raffi Torres , Mike Smith, Radim Vrbata Keith Yandle

Lost: Ilya Bryzgalov, Ed Jovanovski , Vernon Fiddler, Eric Belanger, Nolan Yonkman

The Coyotes added some good players when they acquired RaffI Torres, Radim Vrbata, and Boyd Gorton. These players give the Coyotes depth.

They also re-signed their own talents Jason Labarbara and Keith Yandle. In the crease the Coyotes replaced departing Ilya Bryzgalov with Mike Smith.

The Coyotes made some ok moves but only time will tell to see if the Coyotes remain in the desert.

Pittsburgh Penguins

NEWARK, NJ - DECEMBER 17: Steve Sullivan #26 of the Nashville Predators skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on December 17, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Grade: B-

Added: Steve Sullivan

Lost: Maxime Talbot,Michael Rupp, Alexei Kovalev

The Penguins added Steve Sullivan to the fold during the offseason along with re-signing some off their free agents.

The Penguins will have a lot to prove this season as they hope Sidney Crosby will return symptom free.

San Jose Sharks

ST PAUL, MN - MARCH 22: Martin Havlat #24 of the Minnesota Wild skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Xcel Energy Center on March 22, 2011 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Grade: A-

Added: Jim Vandermeer, Brent Burns & Martin Havlat ( both traded from Minnesota),Michal Handzus, Colin White, Andrew Murray, Thomas Greiss, Ben Guite, Sean Sullivan and Matt Pelech.

Lost: Devin Setoguchi, Ben Eager, Ian White, Niclas Wallin, Kent Huskins, Scott Nichol, Jamal Mayers, Charlie Coyle and Dany Heatley

The Sharks added a good puck moving defenseman in Brent Burns. They also picked up a speedy forward in Martin Havlat. He will fit better in than Dany Heatley did.

Overall, the Sharks are at a point where they need to perform in the post season. These latest additions make the Sharks a better team than they were last season.

St. Louis Blues

DENVER, CO - MARCH 22: Goalie Brian Elliott #30 of the Colorado Avalanche looks on against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Pepsi Center on March 22, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. Elliott had 29 saves including two in the shootout as the Avalanche defeated t

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Grade: B-

Added: Brian Elliott & Kent Huskins, Jamie Langenbrunner, and Jason Arnott

Lost:

The St.Louis Blues re signed many free agents internally but they didn't bring in much new talent to make the team better.

They added some veteran presence when they signed Jamie Langenbrunner and Jason Arnott.

The Blues need to make a statement if they want to contend in the Western Conference.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Grade: B+

Added: Mathieu Garon, Bruno Gervais,Matt Gilroy, Steven Stamkos

Lost: Simon Gagne, Mike Smith, Sean Bergenheim

The Tampa Bay Lightning's main priority was retaining Steven Stamkos as their top center. They accomplished that as well as acquiring Matt Gilroy and Bruno Gervais on defense and backup goalie Mathieu Garon.

In the process, Tampa parted ways with Simon Gagne, Mike Smith, and Sean Bergenheim but they will be better off in the long run.

Toronto Maple Leafs

BUFFALO, NY - APRIL 18: Tim Connolly #19 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at HSBC Arena at HSBC Arena on April 18, 2011 in Buffalo,

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Grade: B

Added: Tim Connolly, Matthew Lombardi, Cody Franson, John-Michael Liles

Lost: Tim Brent & Brett Lebda

The Maple Leafs added Tim Connolly to be their top line center. Matthew Lombardi and Cody Franson will add depth to the Leafs.

JM Liles was a good addition and will be a good puck mover on the blue line for the Leafs.

Vancouver Canucks

Harry How/Getty Images

Grade: B

Added: Mark Mancari & Marco Sturm

Lost:Alex Bolduc, Christian Ehrhoff, Raffi Torres

The Canucks lost a great defenseman when they failed to re-sign Christian Ehrhoff. They re-signed other free agents including Chris Higgins and Kevin Bieksa in addition to receiving Marco Sturm and Mark Mancari.

Overall the Canucks lost a little, added a little, and stated status quo.

Washington Captials

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 23: Tomas Vokoun #29 of the Florida Panthers makes a save against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on March 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeaeted the Panthers 4-0. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Grade: A

Added: Jeff Halpern, Joel Ward, Roman Hamrlik,Tomas Vokoun, Troy Brouwer

Lost: Boyd Gordon Marco Sturm, Seymon Varlamov

The Washington Captials where one of the most improved teams this offseason. They added a legitimate starting goaltender in Tomas Vokoun, a pair defenseman in Roman Hamirlik and Joel Ward a good winger. They also added a face-off ace in Jeff Halpern.

Additional, Brooks Laich and Mike Knuble signed contract extensions to stay in Washington

Could this be Washington's year? If not Bruce Boudreau could be out of a job.