NHL Offseason Wrap-Up: Top 10 New Additions

NHL Offseason Wrap-Up: Top 10 New Additions via Trade or Free Agency

With the month of August now underway, we begin to focus on our NHL offseason wrap-up. Now, there’s obviously still plenty of time for teams to make adjustments over the next couple of months, but it seems we may have already seen the biggest story lines.

A handful of impact restricted free agents are still looking for new contracts. Anaheim still needs to figure out how to re-sign Hampus Lindholm and Rickard Rakell, while at the same time making enough room for prospect Shea Theodore. Calgary Flames still need to work out long-term deals with star forwards Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.

Other RFAs still without a contract: Jacob Trouba (WPG), Ryan Strome (NYI), Rasmus Ristolainen (BUF), Cody Ceci (OTT), Tobias Rider (ARZ), Nikita Kucherov (TB), Valeri Nichushkin (DAL), Dmitry Orlov (WSH), Zemgus Girgensons (BUF), Nikita Nesterov (TB)

As expected, the trade market kicked up a notch in the summer of 2016 with a bit of extra movement in relation to past years. This was due to a combination of impending expansion and a $73 million dollar salary cap for 2016-17.

It wasn’t easy with so many viable candidates, but we present our top 10 offseason acquisitions.

NHL Offseason Wrap-Up: Top 10 New Additions

10. Erik Gudbranson, Vancouver Canucks

Apr 2, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Erik Gudbranson (44) looks to pass the puck in the first period of a game against the Montreal Canadiens at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

GM Jim Benning has made a number of questionable decisions over the past while, but trading Jared McCann for Erik Gudbranson should work out nicely for the Canucks. McCann was a similar quality prospect to several others in Vancouver’s prospect pool, and who knows where he would have fit long-term with Brandon Sutter around.

The Canucks secure the right side on the blue line upon acquiring Gudbranson. He can sit number two on the depth chart behind Chris Tanev for RHD and might even be capable to rotate with Tanev on that top pairing, if need be. A quality stay-at-home defender, fans will quickly fall in love with the way Erik Gudbranson plays.

9. Frederik Andersen, Toronto Maple Leafs

Apr 25, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) reacts after a save during the first period against the Nashville Predators in game six of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

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Who knows if Andersen is the long-term answer in goal for Toronto. Give Lou and Shanny credit though, they recognized the need to address their biggest hole and were able to acquire Frederik using draft picks that had been accumulated.

The 26-year-old has a solid resume early in his career. After years of pushing out the likes of Jonas Hiller, Viktor Fasth, etc, Andersen was finally forced out by John Gibson – the man who was intended to be the Ducks starter before Frederik ever emerged.

Frederik Andersen should offer stability for the Maple Leafs between the pipes, something fans haven’t seen for many years.

8. Kyle Okposo, Buffalo Sabres

Feb 13, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Islanders forward Kyle Okposo (21) skates against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the New York Islanders 6-3. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s understandable if you don’t like the seven-year term he was handed. Unfortunately, that’s the cost of doing business in free agency. That $6 million dollar cap hit is however spot on for the quality of player being obtained.

If Kyle Okposo can produce in the 60 point range alongside John Tavares, imagine what he can do with two quality linemates? A potential Sabres top six that includes Ryan O’Reilly, Jack Eichel, Tyler Ennis, Sam Reinhart, Evander Kane, and Kyle Okposo is a dangerous mix.

7. Mika Zibanejad, New York Rangers

Mar 8, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Ottawa Senators forward Mika Zibanejad (93) skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-3 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Derick Brassard, who went the other way in this trade is also a quality addition for the Senators – but it’s a short-term, short-sighted move.

It seems the ceiling of potential is much higher for Swedish center Mika Zibanejad. He’s coming off a career-year in which he took further steps in his growth and development. It sounds a little far-fetched to hear right now, but we could be talking about Zibanejad’s name as a Selke Trophy candidate somewhere down the road.

GM Jeff Gorton made a brilliant decision recognizing that sometimes you must take a step back to take a bigger step forward.

6. Keith Yandle, Florida Panthers

Apr 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Keith Yandle (93) moves the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

New York was reluctant to trade Yandle at the deadline with hopes of re-signing him. Once it became clear they couldn’t afford him, Keith Yandle’s negotiating rights were traded to Florida for a conditional 4th round pick, and a 6th round pick.

Soon after, the Panthers inked Yandle to a seven-year $44.45 million dollar deal ($6.35 million/year). Between the addition of Keith Yandle and Jason Demers, Florida did a great job replacing Campbell and Gudbranson.

5. Eric Staal, Minnesota Wild

Apr 4, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; New York Rangers center Eric Staal (12) against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Rangers won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Talk about a value contract. Minnesota inked Staal to a three-year $10.5 million dollar deal ($3.5 million/year) after a disappointing 39-point campaign in 2015-16.

Let’s be honest though, his chances of performing on Broadway in a three-month stint given the circumstances was limited. After years of having no one to play with in Carolina, opportunity knocks for Eric Staal to re-establish himself in the state of hockey.

4. Brian Campbell, Chicago Blackhawks

Jan 17, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Brian Campbell (51) skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

At 37-years-old, Brian Campbell is nearing the end of a storied NHL career. After winning the Stanley Cup with Chicago back in 2010, he re-joins the Blackhawks in 2016-17 after signing a cheap one-year $2 million dollar contract. This acquisition alone is enough to propel the Hawks back into Cup favorite territory.

3. Brian Elliott, Calgary Flames

May 19, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; St. Louis Blues goalie Brian Elliott (1) defends goal after a shot by the San Jose Sharks in the first period of game three of the Western Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center at San Jose. The Sharks won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

This 31-year-old veteran might only be a stop-gap answer until Jon Gillies or Mason McDonald is ready to take the reins, but give GM Brad Treliving credit as he managed to acquire one of the top available options between the pipes.

Coming off a Western Conference Finals appearance with the Blues, Brian Elliott provides the Calgary Flames with stability to find their way back into the postseason.

2. Taylor Hall, New Jersey Devils

Mar 10, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Edmonton Oilers forward Taylor Hall (4) skates with the puck in third period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Edmonton Oilers bet the Minnesota Wild 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

1. P.K. Subban, Nashville Predators

Jan 30, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Atlantic Division defenseman P.K. Subban (76) of the Montreal Canadiens wears a Jaromir Jagr jersey during the breakaway challenge during the 2016 NHL All Star Game Skills Competition at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Oddly enough, this blockbuster deal works for both sides. It obviously favors Nashville in the long-term, but this trade benefits the Preds and Canadiens. For Montreal, they sacrifice a bit of offense from the back end to help strengthen their overall defensive game. It plays to their strength with Carey Price between the pipes – after all, they can’t seem to win without him.

Even though both sides are technically winners, this is a major splash for the Predators. A top pairing of P.K. Subban and Roman Josi promises to be the most dangerous offensive d-pairing in the NHL. Behind them, Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm provide a very similar element. Give GM David Poile credit for trying something a bit different in a time when goal scoring has come at a premium.

Next: 2016-17 Top 25 Breakout Candidates

Nashville adds a big personality in P.K. Subban. Much is unknown about how coaches, management, and players respond to him behind closed doors, but let’s focus on what we do know. You could argue there is no greater ambassador in the game currently than P.K. He immerses himself in the community, and gives back. He recognizes what kind of difference it makes to take a few extra minutes for fans, leaving positive lasting impressions on people. In the end, this a big win for the city of Nashville regardless of what happens on the ice.

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