Calgary Flames:

Key additions: The rights to call Sumit his “son”

The Flames we’re relatively quiet throughout free agency, only bringing in farm like talent such as John Klingberg (5x1.3M) & Alexander Barabanov (5x0.8M). The Flames biggest moves came via trade with bringing in the likes of bringing in John Tavares for essentially free, who should provide a nice boost to the flames top 6. The Flames weren’t done just yet with Sumit’s cheeks, as he bent him over yet again in what could go down as the worst trade of the year, netting 2 1sts and Kirill Marchenko for San Jose to reacquire their 1st. Although the flames weren’t in on any big names in FA, the fan base in Calgary must be ecstatic with Kevin’s work this off-season.

Grade: A

Las Vegas Golden Knights:

Key additions: Cam Atkinson (5x2M)

The Golden Knights weren’t very active this off season, as they continue their retool towards the future. Similar to most tankers, I would’ve liked to see the Knights be more active during free agency in order to flip for future value down the line. The Atkinson signing is a nice gamble, but all in all the Knights didn’t wow me this off season as it’s clear they’re in #Tank4Celebrini mode.

Grade: D

Edmonton Oilers:

Key additions: Timo Meier (via trade), Viktor Arvidsson (via trade), Sean Durzi (via trade)

If you we’re a free agent seeking a 500k contract, odds are you went to Oil Country. The Oilers we’re extremely active on the trade front however, bringing in some key pieces in Arvidsson & Meier to help boost their top 6, as well as Durzi on the back end. Even the small moves like bringing in Sam Steel and Mathieu Joseph as 4th line / PK guys is sharp. The Oilers have built quite the team here with little to no holes up and down the roster, look for them to be atop the pacific and a team to watch for as cup contenders here in 2025.

Grade: A

Los Angeles Kings:

Key additions: Vladislav Gavrikov (5x3.5M – sign & trade), Neal Pionk (5x4.5M – sign & trade), Aaron Ekblad (5x4.95M - sign & trade), Jordan Staal (5x2.6M, 6.25 SB), Mats Zuccarello (1x7.2M, 3.6M SB), Brent Burns (2x6.5M, 6.5M SB), Michael Carcone (5x1.8M),

A lion in the jungle, Rumpy was extremely active this off season. As most likely the odds-on favourite for the biggest upgraded team year over year, the Kings look to now be a team in the making of possibly making some noise this season. There are still some holes on this roster, as to be expected from last year’s worst team, however it’s tough to argue Rumpy could’ve done much more to upgrade his team via free agency. The Kings are still cash rich in prospects and picks, so look for them to be a perennial contender here in the not-so-distant future. Had they brought in one of the top names of the class, Rumpy would’ve most likely gotten my first A+ of the series.

Grade: A

San Jose Sharks:

Key additions: Darcy Kuemper (3x3.75M, 1.2M SB), Yakov Trenin (1x3.5M), Ryan O’Reilly (4x7.5M, 14M SB), Warren Foegele (5x3.75M), Zach Hyman (3x11.5M, 16.8M SB), Karel Vejmelka (5x3.3M), Torey Krug (2x4.5M, 4.5M SB), Artemi Panarin (3x14.5M, 21.4M SB)

On the other end of the spectrum, is there a team that got any worse this off-season than Summit’s Sharks? Seems like this year’s free agent class needed an additional tax to head to San Jose as well, as some of these contracts could age extremely poorly in a few years. Nonetheless, the Sharks we’re able to net 3 of the biggest free agent forwards in Hyman, O’Reilly and Panarin who will form their new look top line this season. This team has a ton of holes and it’s hard to tell exactly what Sumit’s plan this off season was. His camping trip must’ve involved a ton of beers. Thankfully, he can go cry in his new father’s arms, Kevin when we sees how poor the Sharks perform this year.

Grade: D+

Vancouver Canucks:

Key additions: None.

The Canucks focus I guess was to improve their farm? They didn’t sign anyone of note other than a few farmers, or make any trades, and still have the likes of Danault, Giroux and other older players on their roster. If they aren’t going to try and compete this year, they should be making moves to join the tankers of the league at the bottom. The Canucks get my second F of the series.

Grade: F

Anaheim Ducks:

Key additions: Ondrej Palat (5x2.5M, 2M SB), Victor Hedman (2x12M, 7M SB)

Dev’s Ducks continue to work towards the future, bringing in some crafty vets in Reavo & Corey Perry to farm contracts to help coach up the kids. I loved the Palat and Hedman signings for the Ducks, whom should provide nice trade pieces down the line for the Ducks to continue to build up their pipeline of picks and prospects for the future. Crafty work here from the man with the large horn.

Grade: B

Seattle Kraken:

Key additions: Radko Gudas (1x5M, 2.5M SB)

Another team on the up and coming, Rex’s Kraken weren’t extremely active this off season, bringing in some depth defensive pieces, the big one being the bruising Czech Radko Gudas. The Kraken have a ton of youth on the rise, ideally, I would’ve liked to see them go after a big fish to push for a playoff spot this year, or to flip down the line. Regardless, the youth movement is on in Seattle. (Someone please trade for Kochetkov).

Grade: C