NHL Free Agency: Ranking the 10 Most Important Preseason Signings

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Although all the major moves were made this summer, it's never too late to augment an NHL roster to better position a team to make a run. Several teams took advantage of the opportunity to fine-tune their lineup before the season began.

For some teams, it was signing a veteran player from free agency to add some experience and leadership, while others made it a priority to official make their draft picks a part of their team by offering them an entry-level contract before the rookie signing deadline.

Here are the top 10 most important signings of the preseason.

Chicago Blackhawks: Brandon Saad

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Brandon Saad was expected to be a lottery pick at one point before the draft. However, he slipped all the way to the second round when the Chicago Blackhawks scooped him up.

He impressed in training camp enough so that he was given an entry-level contract and given a spot on the roster. It doesn't happen often that a second-round pick makes an NHL club right after he is drafted.

Chicago Blackhawks: Ray Emery

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Ray Emery couldn't find a new NHL home in the summer so he had to settle for a tryout with the Blackhawks. Apparently, he made the best of his opportunity.

The Hawks gave him a one-year deal to back up Corey Crawford.

New York Islanders: Steve Staios

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The New York Islanders have a great young core of players. However, they realize that they don't quite have enough just yet to be a competitor, so they brought in some veterans to give the team some added leadership.

One of the players they signed was defenseman Steve Staios.

New York Islanders: Jay Pandolfo

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Another veteran the Islanders signed this preseason was Jay Pandolfo. Like Emery, Pandolfo was a camp invitee who was able to play his way onto the roster.

Pandolfo is not the same player he used to be with the Devils, but he should be able to help out the Islanders.

New York Islanders; Ryan Strome

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Another rookie who was signed to an entry-level contract and given a roster spot was Ryan Strome.

Strome joins a roster filled with young, promising talent so he'll have to progress along quick to keep up with the other players.

San Jose Sharks: Brad Winchester

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Brad Winchester was one of the few notable free agents signed by an expected contender.

The San Jose Sharks inked him to a deal to add a little grit and toughness to the lineup. Sharks fans should be excited to see him drop the gloves and duke it out a few times this season.

New Jersey Devils: Petr Sykora

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The New Jersey Devils are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2010-11 season. During the summer the only notable player they signed was Cam Janssen, so they went out and signed Petr Sykora during the preseason.

They're hoping he still has a little bit of scoring left in him to help out Ilya Kovalchuk and company.

Winnipeg Jets: Mark Scheifele

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Mark Scheifele will hope to be a difference-maker for the Winnipeg Jets after getting his entry-level contract and making the roster.

Although he's a rookie, he'll have a chance to make an impact on this roster.

Winnipeg Jets: Kyle Wellwood

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This preseason the Winnipeg Jets also went out and got free agent Kyle Wellwood. Wellwood is a solid player who should bring some depth to the lineup.

If the Jets are fortunate, then maybe they could get 20 goals out of him.