NHL free agency tracker: Instant grades and analysis

Senators trade Mike Hoffman to Sharks Who Trade Him To The Panthers

The Senators had to trade Mike Hoffman, especially after all the serious allegations came out about his fiance. Stalking and harassment are terrible crimes to commit and they’re even worse given the circumstances.

That said, the Senators got virtually nothing for Hoffman. Even with the obvious off the ice issues, he’s a guy who has scored at least 20 goals in each of the past four seasons. All the Senators have to show for him is Mikkel Boedker, a decent defensive prospect, and a 2020 sixth-round pick. That’s not good.

The Sharks did extremely well here. They basically got extra draft picks for nothing. It’s telling the Sharks got a better return for Hoffman than the Senators did. Pierre Dorion didn’t want to deal within his own division, so San Jose facilitated a trade with the Panthers.

Trade Grades: Sharks get an A. Brilliant thinking from them. Panthers get a C+. Overpaid for Hoffman and are taking an undeniable risk. Senators get an F for somehow coming up on the short end of a three-way deal involving one of their players.

Oilers Re-Sign Benning

The Edmonton Oilers re-signed defenseman Matt Benning to a two-year deal with $1.9 million cap hit. He was a restricted free agent. This is a reasonable deal for someone who has proven he can be a viable top-six defenseman. Though Benning didn’t have a great season last year, the Oilers are banking on him rebounding. And it won’t cost them much to get rid of him.

Grade: B-. Reasonable offer for Benning, who now must prove he’s worth keeping around long-term. 

Leafs Re-Sign Carrick and Pickard To One-Year Deals

The Toronto Maple Leafs made two depth signings, re-signing defenseman Connor Carrick and goaltender Calvin Pickard to one-year deals. $1.3 million for the former, $800,000 for the latter. Expect Carrick to fill a sixth or seventh defenseman role with Pickard potentially challenging for the backup spot.

Grades: B for both.