Chicago Blackhawks:

 

Key additions: Nick Foligno (1x3.8M, 1.9M SB)

 

The Blackhawks we’re not busy this free agency, as they we’re only able to swing a deal with one notable free agent, Nick Foligno this offseason. Foligno is a nice addition, and likely fills in a middle 6 role with the Blackhawks, but I would’ve liked to see them be more aggressive, especially with the like of a few key free agents such as Bobrovsky, Rakell & Killorn, on the last year of their respective deals. A name like Patty Kane or Malkin would’ve fit nicely with this team in a push to make the playoffs this year with their solid young core of assets.

 

Grade: D+

 

Dallas Stars:

 

Key additions: William Nylander (RFA – 5x8.95M), Brendan Smith (3x2M)

 

The talk of free agency this year, in a war between Uncle Rich and Junya for the young phenom, Nylander, the Stars we’re able acquire the rights to Nylander in a sign and trade with the divison rival Jets. They we’re also able to fill a need in the bottom 4 by signing the bruising defensive defenceman Brendan Smith. Nylander will certainly be a staple on the stars top line for years to come while Smith will be serviceable in a defensive role on the stars. Look for the stars to once again compete for the cup this year.

I would have liked to see the stars maybe sign one more defenseman to round out their D corps after the loss of Pionk and Ekblad to the RFA market, and possibly another top 9 forward, but all in all, the Stars will again be a threat this year in the playoffs and have gotten no doubt better offensively after free agency.

 

Grade: B+

 

Colorado Avalanche:

 

Key additions: Joel Edmundson (4x2.5M, 5M SB)

 

The priority for Pat and the Avalanche this offseason was to keep their star player Nathan MacKinnon in town for the long haul, in which they we’re able to, but other than that the Avalanche we’re relatively quiet, only bringing in a few depth pieces in Johansson and Trevor Lewis alongside Joel Edmundson, who adds a solid presence on the back end and on the PK. Coming off a Stanley cup final loss last season to Dan’s Red Wings, the Avs didn’t have many holes to fill to remain atop the league, although I would’ve like to see them take a swing at a solid middle 6 forward or a stout defensive defensemen to get over that hump.

 

Grade: B-

 

Nashville Predators:

 

Key additions: Nick Leddy (3x4M, 6M SB), Mikael Backlund (3x4.7M, 7M SB)

 

The Preds had a quiet but successful free agency, as they we’re able to address needs on their back end and in their middle 6 with two key additions in Leddy and Backlund this off season, without breaking the bank. Look for Sheds’ Preds to compete in the Central once again this year with a solid roster from top to bottom.

 

Grade: A

 

St. Louis Blues:

 

Key additions: Teddy Blueger (4x4M, 4M SB),

 

The blues we’re quiet during the FA period, with their biggest signing coming in the likes of Teddy Blueger, who got a nice payday from the Blues. I personally wouldn’t have paid 4x4M for a bottom 6 forward, but Blueger should slide in nicely in a 3^rd line and PK role for the blues for years to come. The blues have some pieces, but a big-name ticket free agent would’ve helped them make a push to be a real contender in the central.

 

Grade: D-

 

Winnipeg Jets:

 

Key additions: Jaden Schwartz (4x3.8M, 4.5M SB)

 

The Jets remained busy this free agency, bringing in a handful of pieces in an inter divisional sign and trade with the Stars sending Nylander packing as they continue to build towards the future with a number of picks and prospects in their system. Schwartz is a nice little upside pickup as well who could fetch a decent return should he return to form this year. Look for the Jets to sit near the bottom again as their young core continues to improve and build towards the future. They would’ve gotten a higher grade for me if they signed a big-name FA in hopes to flip for a profit down the line, but I understand not wanting to do that as it improves your roster.

 

Grade: B-

 

Minnesota Wild:

 

Key additions: None

 

My first F of the year goes to the Al and the Wild. Other than a few farm signings, the Wild did nothing this off season to better their team. This team has a ton of holes to fill going into the dog days of summer. The Wild will need to pick a direction via trades in order to avoid sitting in the middle this year.

 

Grade: F

 

Utah Hockey Club:

 

Key additions: Chris Kreider (2x8.6M, 8M SB)

 

The Hockey Club took a big swing at Kreider, giving the fans a new star to cheer for, at a relatively fair price tag. Kreider will slot in nicely alongside Crosby to boast a now strong 1^st line for the Hockey Club. Although still a few years away from being a real threat in the Central. I like the depth additions and swing at Kreider whom can always be flipped at a later date for a bevy of picks and prospects to continue the youth movement in Utah.

 

Grade: B+