As we reach the four-day mark of NHL free agency, the list of impactful players still available on the market remains limited. Fans are left wondering: has your favorite team acquired the necessary talent to elevate their game? In light of this, The Athletic consulted its NHL staff to evaluate the early moves made by each team. The analysis is subjective, reflecting individual assessments rather than a standardized grading scale, and it considers a team's ability to maneuver under the salary cap, as well as trades and re-signings that have occurred since the conclusion of the last season.
Below are the grades assigned by our writers, along with insightful commentary on the transactions made so far:
Despite having ample salary cap space, the Ducks’ offseason moves have left fans wanting more. Signing 33-year-old Mikael Granlund feels underwhelming, especially given the potential opportunities that were available. While Granlund can contribute, the focus should shift to internal improvements and re-signing restricted free agents Lukáš Dostál and Mason McTavish.
The Bruins made strategic signings, bringing in players like Tanner Jeannot and Sean Kuraly, who are known for their grit. However, the team still lacks offensive depth, particularly in their middle-six forwards.
In a bid to address their roster needs, the Sabres traded JJ Peterka for defenseman Michael Kesselring and winger Josh Doan. While these moves show promise, replacing Peterka's scoring output will be a significant challenge. Additional depth signings like Justin Danforth and Alex Lyon have potential, but more work is required to elevate this grade.
The Flames have maintained a cautious approach, avoiding overspending as they navigate a rebuild. However, they still need to address the re-signing of Connor Zary and tackle the uncertainty surrounding Rasmus Andersson.
The Hurricanes have made notable moves this offseason, including a sign-and-trade for defenseman K’Andre Miller and inking Nikolaj Ehlers to a lucrative six-year deal. These acquisitions bolster both their offensive and defensive lines, solidifying their status as a potential Stanley Cup contender.
Though the Blackhawks' strategy aligns with their long-term rebuilding plan, their lack of significant moves while holding over $20 million in cap space raises concerns. Re-signing Ryan Donato was essential, but the overall inactivity leaves the team with missed opportunities.
While the Avalanche didn’t make headlines in free agency, their decisions make sense. Extending Parker Kelly and signing veteran Brent Burns could yield positive outcomes, especially as Burns brings experience to a fast-paced team.
Despite ambitious plans to revamp their roster, the Blue Jackets’ efforts fell short. Their decision to sign Ivan Provorov to a massive deal while failing to secure a top-six winger or a top-four defenseman has left them in a precarious position.
The Stars managed to balance their roster by signing Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn at favorable rates. While they lost Mikael Granlund, they have young defensive prospects like Lian Bichsel to look forward to.
The Red Wings improved their roster by acquiring John Gibson and James van Riemsdyk, but these moves are not game-changers. With a long playoff drought looming, fans expected more excitement in free agency.
Working with limited cap space, the Oilers made sensible additions by bringing in Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar. However, these signings may not fully compensate for the losses experienced this offseason.
The Panthers' success in retaining their core players—Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand—is commendable. General Manager Bill Zito achieved the seemingly impossible, solidifying their roster for another competitive season.
While the Kings have made some underwhelming moves, they have also improved their fourth line. However, the absence of significant acquisitions raises doubts about their long-term strategy.
The Wild aimed to sign Brock Nelson but shifted focus to Vladimir Tarasenko instead. While some moves address roster needs, the expectation for a more dynamic free agency period remains unmet.
By utilizing trades effectively, the Canadiens acquired Noah Dobson and Zack Bolduc, while also making impactful depth signings. However, losing players like Christian Dvorak leaves gaps that still need filling.
Signing Nick Perbix added value, but the Predators failed to address significant needs at center and on defense. The lack of movement in these areas leads to an overall unsatisfactory offseason.
While not making any major splashes, Tom Fitzgerald effectively strengthened the forward group, bringing back Cody Glass and adding depth with Evgenii Dadonov and Connor Brown.
The Islanders' management has made commendable moves, including short-term signings and extending key players. However, the trade of Noah Dobson has affected their overall grade.
The Rangers navigated a risky trade for K’Andre Miller but also secured strong signings in Vladislav Gavrikov and Taylor Raddysh. Their strategic acquisitions have set them up well for the upcoming season.
The Senators made minor moves, including re-signing Claude Giroux and adding Lars Eller. However, they still need to enhance their scoring capabilities to compete effectively.
In a bold move, the Flyers acquired Trevor Zegras and filled other gaps with smart signings. Despite lacking a definitive No. 1 center, the team's future looks promising.
General Manager Kyle Dubas made sensible, low-risk additions to the team. While the Penguins are not positioned for aggressive moves, upcoming trades may change their trajectory.
The Sharks are wisely filling out their roster without committing to long-term contracts for average players. This strategy provides flexibility for future team-building.
The Kraken failed to secure a game-changing player despite having cap space. Their signing of Ryan Lindgren is a step in the right direction, but additional RFAs remain unsigned, leaving questions about their offseason strategies.
The Blues were active in their attempts to reshape their roster, adding reliable veterans and making strategic trades. While they faced challenges, their efforts reflect a proactive strategy.
The Lightning’s offseason consisted of low-key moves that helped balance their roster. However, they missed opportunities to acquire significant talent, which leaves room for improvement.
The Maple Leafs have seen a decline in talent following Mitch Marner's departure, with no major additions to compensate. Although some contract extensions were successful, the overall outlook remains concerning.
Acquiring JJ Peterka without sacrificing a high draft pick was a significant win for the Mammoth. Their strategic depth signings position the team well for future success.
Despite making some modest acquisitions, the Canucks have not yet addressed their pressing needs at center, creating potential gaps in their lineup. Further developments will be essential for their offseason success.
By signing Mitch Marner, the Golden Knights filled their most significant need for scoring on the wing. This acquisition positions them as formidable contenders in the upcoming season.
The Capitals’ offseason has not yielded the necessary additions to enhance their lineup significantly. While they made some moves, they still lack a third-line center and the top-six skill needed to compete.
The Jets made headlines by signing Jonathan Toews, which could resonate well with fans. While addressing roster needs with one-year contracts, the question remains whether these additions will elevate the team’s performance.
The early stages of NHL free agency have provided a mixed bag of results for teams across the league. As the offseason continues, teams will look to make further adjustments to improve their rosters and prepare for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we approach the 2023-2024 NHL season.
