Here are some of the best player additions (rookies excluded) for each team in the Metropolitan Division
Carolina - Dougie Hamilton
Hamilton is one of the better players at his position in the league. He is able to generate a good chunk of offense at even-strength. A great addition for the Hurricanes.
Columbus - Riley Nash
Nash is coming off of a career year where he put up 15 goals and 41 assists. He had a 1.84 points per 60 at 5v5 which was a stronger season than what the other Nash put up last year (1.72).
New Jersey - Eric Gryba
Gryba is a depth defenseman that can do a good job in a sheltered role with minimal offense.
New York Islanders - Robin Lehner
Robin Lehner is an average NHL goaltender that is also terrible in the shootout. This was the Islanders best outside acquisition. The other ones? Well, they hired a dinosaur to run their team, and surprise, he is doing dinosaur things. Lou won't stop until he has the most overpriced depth in hockey.
New York Rangers - Fredrik Claesson
Depth guy, nothing more nothing less.
Philadelphia - James van Riemsdyk
van Riemsdyk gets to go back to where it all started for him in his career. After scoring quite a number of goals for Toronto over the years the Flyers will be looking for him to take over for Wayne Simmonds who will likely be on the way out due to age and requiring a new deal. van Riemsdyk is more than capable of taking over Simmonds spot on the top power play down low. Pittsburgh - Derek Grant
I don't have anything positive to say about the acquisitions of Jack Johnson or Matt Cullen. I find both of those deals to be negative in value. If they don't play well they will probably keep playing. Grant had a good year in Anaheim offensively with a 1.86 points per 60. Possession wise he is not very good. Matt Cullen has been sliding on both fronts the past two seasons. Grant's signing has the most potential to be neutral and not a drain. Washington - Nic Dowd
The defending champs had some housekeeping to take care of. Their money was tied up in extensions for players already on the roster. As a result you get a guy like Dowd as their biggest outside acquisition.
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