NHL free agency tracker: Instant grades and analysis

The 2018 NHL offseason should be a chaotic one. We’re here to keep you updated on all the 2018 NHL free agency moves and trades, providing you with updated analysis

Each July, NHL teams lavishly spend on free agents when free agency begins. Come 12 noon ET on July 1, 2018 NHL free agency will begin. Already, rumors are flying around with clubs throwing cash around, begging players to take their money. With a relatively weak class, the trade market should be active as well.

Here at Puck Prose, we will track all the trades and agreements in principles and actual signings, assigning an immediate grade based on length and dollars, along with fit. So let’s get started!

Canadiens trade Alex Galchenyuk to the Coyotes for Max Domi

The NHL offseason started off with a huge boom on Friday, June 15. Max Domi and Alex Galchenyuk are no strangers to trade rumors. The two young forwards swapped teams in a surprising move.

This is a change of scenery trade for both sides. Both Galchenyuk and Domi needed to go elsewhere. It’s fair to question how a guy who scored 30 goals two years ago needed a change of scenery, but such is life.

Grades: Coyotes get a B+. They’re taking a risk with Galchenyuk, but it’s a very worthwhile one. It’s hard to score goals, and he can definitely do that. Playing in a low-pressure environment should be beneficial for Galchenyuk.

Canadiens get a C-. Domi is a good player. His playmaking abilities should help the Canadiens moving forward. And Domi’s a little bit cheaper than Galchenyuk. But cap space isn’t an issue for Montreal. The Canadiens are hoping Domi can help them overcome their goalscoring problems. He might well help there. But getting rid of one of your few proven goal scorers isn’t a good way to improve your offense.