NHL Veterans Trying to Rebound with New Teams in 2016-17

NHL training camps are underway, and the start of the 2016-17 season on Oct. 12 is fast approaching. Several notable players, such as Eric Staal of the Minnesota Wild, will attempt to get their careers back on track with new teams in the upcoming campaign.

Like Staal, several players on this list are trying to halt the recent decline in their production. Some, such as Jiri Hudler, will try to recapture their recent stellar form. A few, such as David Perron of the St. Louis Blues, hope a return to the teams where they began their NHL careers will revitalize their play. 

In the following slideshow, we'll examine several fading NHL stars who will try to rebound in the upcoming season with new teams. Feel free to voice your opinion on this topic in the comments section below.

Teddy Purcell, Los Angeles Kings

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On July 1, the Los Angeles Kings signed left wing Teddy Purcell to a one-year, $1.6 million contract. Purcell, 31, spent last season with the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. In 76 games, he scored 14 goals and added 29 assists for 43 points. 

Purcell began his NHL career with the Kings from 2007-08 until dealt late in the 2009-10 season to the Tampa Bay Lightning. He had his best seasons with the Lightning, tallying 51 points in 2010-11 and a career-best 65 in 2011-12. 

Between 2014-15 and 2015-16, Purcell bounced from the Lightning to the Oilers and Panthers. Offensive consistency was the main issue. Despite a 6'2", 195-pound frame, he's not a physical player. 

The departure of Milan Lucic to free agency this summer created a significant void on left wing for the Kings. With limited salary-cap space, however, they needed an affordable, short-term replacement. 

Purcell could begin the season on one of the Kings' scoring lines, possibly alongside All-Star center Anze Kopitar and veteran winger Marian Gaborik. That would provide him the opportunity to improve his numbers and consistency. He'll have to play a more physical game under Kings head coach Darryl Sutter.

Sam Gagner, Columbus Blue Jackets

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On Aug. 1, the Columbus Blue Jackets signed unrestricted free-agent center Sam Gagner to a one-year, $650,000 contract. The 27-year-old spent last season with the Philadelphia Flyers. 

For most of Gagner's nine NHL seasons, he was a reliable 40-plus point performer. He reached or exceeded that plateau five times with the Edmonton Oilers and again in 2014-15 with the Arizona Coyotes. A versatile forward, Gagner can skate at center or on the wing. 

Last season, however, was the worst of Gagner's career. Injuries and a brief demotion to the minors limited him to just 53 games. He managed only eight goals and 16 points and was largely limited to checking-line duties. 

In signing Gagner, Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen told reporters the center's experience and right-handed shot were key factors. Kekalainen also praised his hockey sense and playmaking ability. 

Gagner has no chance of unseating centers Boone Jenner and Brandon Dubinsky on the Jackets' top two lines. He could be limited to checking-line duty, which won't help his offensive stats. His ability to play on the wing, however, could help him land a second-line role, especially if injuries strike the Jackets lineup.

David Perron, St. Louis Blues

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On July 1, the St. Louis Blues signed left wing David Perron to a two-year, $7.5 million contract. Perron, 28, split last season between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks. 

A creative playmaking forward who can skate at either wing, Perron's exceeded the 40-point mark five times in his nine NHL seasons. The upcoming season will mark his second tenure with the Blues, having played for them from 2007-08 to 2012-13. 

Perron's moved around three times in as many seasons. On July 10, 2013, the Blues traded him to the Edmonton Oilers. Midway through 2014-15, the Oilers dealt him to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Last season, the Penguins shipped Perron to the Ducks.

Injury and inconsistency were the factors behind Perron's recent frequent travels. With the Blues losing veteran wingers David Backes and Troy Brouwer to free agency this summer, they were in need of skilled, experienced depth. Familiarity with Perron from his previous tenure played a part in his return.

Perron's versatility gives them the option of playing him at either wing. He could be stuck seeing third-line duty on the left side behind Jaden Schwartz and Robby Fabbri. The Blues are thinner on the right side, where Perron could skate on the second line.

Dan Hamhuis, Dallas Stars

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On July 1, defenseman Dan Hamhuis signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Dallas Stars. He spent the last six seasons patrolling the Vancouver Canucks' blue line. 

Over the course of his 12-year NHL career, Hamhuis has earned a reputation as a skilled, big-minute shutdown defender. He was a key part in the Canucks advancing to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final and played for Canada's gold-medal-winning men's hockey team at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Over the last two seasons, however, Hamhuis missed significant playing time to injuries. He was limited to just 59 games in 2014-15 and 58 games last season. Now 33, the wear and tear of his game appears to be catching up with him. 

Before last season's NHL trade deadline, Sportsnet's Dan Murphy reported the Stars had interest in Hamhuis. In signing him, Stars general manager Jim Nill cited Hamhuis' character and leadership in the press release. Those traits could prove beneficial to Dallas' young defense corps.

Hamhuis is no longer a top-pairing blueliner. However, he should fit in well on the Stars' second pairing. If used properly, he should provide them with a welcome measure of experienced stay-at home defense.

Radim Vrbata, Arizona Coyotes

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On Aug. 16, the Arizona Coyotes signed right wing Radim Vrbata to a one-year, bonus-laden contract. The 35-year-old will earn $1 million in base salary and could earn an additional $2.25 million in bonuses. 

This coming season will be Vrbata's third tenure with the Coyotes, having played one season with them in 2007-08, followed by five between 2009-10 and 2013-14. Vrbata played well in Arizona, exceeding 40 points five times in a Coyotes uniform. 

Vrbata joined the Vancouver Canucks in 2014 as a free agent. In 2014-15, he enjoyed a career-best 63-point campaign. Last season, however, he managed only 27 points in 63 games. 

With an aging Shane Doan and promising Anthony Duclair at right wing, the rebuilding Coyotes needed depth at that position. Bringing back Vrbata, who enjoyed his previous tenures in Arizona, was a logical and affordable choice. 

Depending upon the performances of Doan and Duclair, Vrbata could see playing time on the Coyotes' second line. To be effective, he must play alongside skilled forwards. With the right linemates, he could net 40 points this season.

Jiri Hudler, Dallas Stars

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On Aug. 24, the Dallas Stars inked right wing Jiri Hudler to a one-year, $2 million contract. The 32-year-old split last season with the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers.

A reliable two-way player who can play all three forward positions, Hudler exceeded 50 points four times in his NHL career. In 2014-15, he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy and tallied a career-best 76 points with the Flames. 

Last season, however, Hudler managed only 35 points in 53 games with the Flames. Shipped to the Florida Panthers near the trade deadline, he netted 11 points in 19 regular-season games but only one assist in six playoff games. 

With promising winger Valeri Nichushkin departing for Russia, Hudler's addition becomes more significant for the Stars. He could skate on their second line to start the 2016-17 campaign.

Hudler's versatility and experience should make him a solid addition for the young Stars. While returning to 70 points is unlikely, a 40-plus-point effort isn't out of the question.

Thomas Vanek, Detroit Red Wings

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On July 1, left wing Thomas Vanek signed a one-year, $2.6 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings. Vanek, 32, became an unrestricted free agent when the Minnesota Wild bought out the final season of his contract. 

Throughout most of Vanek's 11-year NHL career, he's been a reliable scoring winger. He's exceeded the 60-point plateau six times and the 30-goal mark four times. 

Vanek joined the Wild as a free agent in 2014, but he failed to reach his usual offensive heights. He had 52 points in 80 games in 2014-15, dropping to 41 in 74 games last season. 

The Wings are in the midst of transitioning toward younger players. After ranking 23rd in goals for last season, they needed additional scoring punch. Signing Vanek is an affordable short-term addition who can hopefully address that need.

To be effective, Vanek must see playing time on the Wings' scoring lines. He won't see first-line duty but could skate at left wing on their second line. If he can reach 20 goals and 50 points in 2016-17, he could receive an extension with the Wings.

Eric Staal, Minnesota Wild

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On July 1, center Eric Staal signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract with the Minnesota Wild. He split last season between the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers. 

Between 2005-06 and 2012-13, Staal was among the NHL's elite centers. He reached or exceeded 30 goals five times and 70 points seven times. A former captain with the Hurricanes, he helped them win the Stanley Cup in 2006. 

Staal, however, hasn't been the same since suffering a knee injury at the 2013 IIHF World Championship. His production steadily declined, from 61 points in 2013-14, to 54 points in 2014-15, to only 39 points last season with the Hurricanes and Rangers. 

The 31-year-old Staal could see first-line minutes to start this season with the Wild, possibly with left wing Zach Parise and right wing Charlie Coyle or Jason Pominville as linemates. If he meshes well with them, there should be a notable improvement in his production. 

Staal will be surrounded by better talent than what he played with in Carolina. However, he struggled to produce on a deeper Rangers squad. Perhaps playing under Wild coach Bruce Boudreau's system will be a better fit for Staal.