My take on the six teams that have done the most to help their teams in the early going during this crazy offseason.
1. Ottawa Senators: General manager Pierre Dorion has been a star performer of the pandemic offseason. In addition to hitting the jackpot at the draft with the acquisition of speedy Tim Stutzle, premium defenseman Jake Sanderson and prickly Ridly Grieg, he acquired goalie Matt Murray (from Pittsburgh), 26, plus veteran defenseman Erik Gudbranson (from Anaheim). The Senators boast an enviable collection of young talent and they will be a prime Stanley Cup contender in a couple of years. Having a goalie with two Stanley Cup rings and 22 Stanley Cup Final wins is a confidence builder. Murray is coming off a sub-par season, but this move could reinvigorate him. 2. Calgary Flames: The Flames needed to upgrade their goaltender, and they landed the hottest goalie in the marketplace in Jacob Markstrom. How long has it been since the Flames were content with their goaltending?
3.Anaheim Ducks: Some believe Jamie Drysdale, the player the Ducks drafted at No. 6, was the most talented defenseman in the draft. Landing Jacob Perreault, son of former NHLer Yanic Perreault, at No. 27 was also a value pick. He scored 40 goals in the OHL last season. The addition of former Lightning defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk on a three-year contract for $3.9 million per season was also a value signing. He served Tampa Bay well, but the Lightning couldn't afford him.
4. Washington Capitals: The Caps have gotten it right, starting with the decision to re-sign Brenden Dillon for a cap hit of $3.9 million over four seasons. That was important because Michal Kempny will sidelined 6-8 months with injury. But their best move was landing Henrik Lundqvist to pair with 23-year-old goalie Ilya Samsonov. We don't know how badly Samsonov was injured in his accident earlier this season. But even if he is ready to go, Lundqvist, 38, will be a quality mentor. Plus, this will be a condensed season, and don't be surprised if Lundqvist plays half of the games. Some analysts don't like the Justin Schultz signing (for two seasons) because Schultz struggled for the better part of two seasons in Pittsburgh. But he has skill, and played well in his first two seasons in Pittsburgh. The change of venue could get him back on course. 5. Detroit Red Wings: Starting with Steve Yzerman's trade with the New York Rangers to receive a second-round pick to take defenseman Marc Staal's contract for one year, the Red Wings general manager has pleased the fan base. The Red Wings were looking for a veteran defenseman. They could even trade him at the next trade deadline to add another draft pick. They have also signed potential top six scorer Bobby Ryan for bargain basement prices. They want to be more competitive while they rebuild. These two guys will help. The Red Wings also had a strong draft, led by the selection of Swedish puck wizard Lucas Raymond who has magic in his game. They are not done: They are looking to add a goalie to play in tandem with Jonathan Bernier. 6. New Jersey Devils: New Jersey general Tom Fitzgerald theoretically landed Jack Hughes' future linemate when he selected Swedish scorer Alexander Holtz. He might have been the draft's most desirable pure scorer. Another deal that didn't receive enough accolades: The Devils acquired solid, dependable Ryan Murray. The Blue Jackets were opening up cap space, and the Devils get a 20-minute defenseman.