HockeyBuzz Hotstove: Hotstove: Best Free Agent Signings?

Agreed, nice write up. But I believe Calgary got Hiller, not Anaheim.

Agreed, nice write up. But I believe Calgary got Hiller, not Anaheim.
- flyler

Heh. Obviously. Thanks for the h/u.

I already wrote about it here, but I really don't like San Jose's addition of John Scott. Not a bad move because of dollars, but I think it really sends the wrong kind of message. You're not going to goon your way out of the West, and the Sharks now have a totally useless fourth line that can't compete with the second-tier teams in the conference, let alone the Kings and 'Hawks.

Think about this: technically speaking the Carter-Pearson-Toffoli line was the third unit for the Kings. They didn't play as often as the Stoll line and were used primarily in offensive situations.

There's a good chance San Jose's fourth line bumps into that third line during the playoffs, right? Just how much damage could Jeff Carter to do a line comprised of John Scott, Raffi Torres and Mike Brown?

What happens when Patrick Kane get some zone time against these goons? Goals against, and a lot of them.

Stralman a top pairing defenseman? really? I'd have to disagree with that. I think he's over paid to be honest. I'd say Brad Richards at 2M is a steal. Especially with the supporting cast he'll have around him. I like Dan Boyle at 4.5 on the second pairing with Staal great fit! Miller for 6 Mill is a good deal. He's a beast and is probably a top 5 goalie still. He'll give Couver a chance to squeak into the playoffs.

I already wrote about it here, but I really don't like San Jose's addition of John Scott. Not a bad move because of dollars, but I think it really sends the wrong kind of message. You're not going to goon your way out of the West, and the Sharks now have a totally useless fourth line that can't compete with the second-tier teams in the conference, let alone the Kings and 'Hawks.

Think about this: technically speaking the Carter-Pearson-Toffoli line was the third unit for the Kings. They didn't play as often as the Stoll line and were used primarily in offensive situations.

There's a good chance San Jose's fourth line bumps into that third line during the playoffs, right? Just how much damage could Jeff Carter to do a line comprised of John Scott, Raffi Torres and Mike Brown?

What happens when Patrick Kane get some zone time against these goons? Goals against, and a lot of them.
- Franklin Steele

As a Ducks fan, I love this move!!!

As a Ducks fan, I love this move!!!
- Nucker101

Did you happen to become a Ducks fan on the day a certain somebody got dealt there?

I'm guessing a blog on worse value signings isn't needed?

Pretty much most of the players Pitt did not resign got very over inflated prices except for Nisk. Most assumed he'd breach 6 mil.

From a locker room perspective, I do like the Sabres' signing Gionta and Gorges. Two top quality character guys to mentor the youth movement in Buffalo. Gionta is on the downside, we know that, but the character was greatly needed on a team that was playing AHLers last year and expects an influx of rookies this year.
Also, getting Moulson back to play wing with Sam Reinhart gives the smartest kid in the draft a reliable winger to finish what he creates offensively.
Not saying Sabres are going to be good, in fact we are trying to ensure a top 2 draft position in the 2015 McEichel draft...but the team is going in the right direction...like year 2 of an expansion team.

Stralman a top pairing defenseman? really? I'd have to disagree with that. I think he's over paid to be honest. I'd say Brad Richards at 2M is a steal. Especially with the supporting cast he'll have around him. I like Dan Boyle at 4.5 on the second pairing with Staal great fit! Miller for 6 Mill is a good deal. He's a beast and is probably a top 5 goalie still. He'll give Couver a chance to squeak into the playoffs.
- dwoo33

It's irritating to me to see people never giving guys like Stralman credit, because they never remember his name being hyped at a draft or a world juniors.

This guy has been a rock solid defenseman for five years now, pretty much any defensive oriented stats prove it, and was NYR's second best defenseman last season, including playoffs. He's got first pairing level defense, and will be an amazing match for any offensive minded first pairing D. Would have loved to have him signed by the sens for Karlsson, but he will look unbelieveable next season with Victor Hedman for a partner instead of Marc Staal.