NHL Free Agency got off to a roaring start on Tuesday.
Canada Day saw nearly 100 players signed to new contracts valued at more than $540 million, $135 million of that handed out by Canadian-based teams.
Sportsnet broke down all of Tuesday’s biggest signings as they happened. Check out the contract breakdowns below:
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Canucks land highly-touted Miller — Ryan Miller should have a few good years left in the tank — but is signing a veteran goalie really the best move for a rebuilding team?
Iginla going to Colorado — After a solid year in Boston, Jarome Iginla is on the move again. Colorado will be his fourth team in about 18 months.
Blues add playmaker in Stastny — The Blues might have had to overpay a little bit, but they’ve added a high-end playmaker and the best UFA centre available in Paul Stastny.
Vanek predictably signs with Wild — The top prize of the NHL’s silly season, Thomas Vanek will bring his talents to the Minnesota Wild, his fourth team since the start of 2013–14.
Brad Richards headed to Chicago — After netting a rich payout as a buyout from the Rangers, Brad Richards is taking his talents to Chicago on a one-year deal that could solidify the ‘Hawks as Cup favourites.
Flames add stability in Hiller — The Calgary Flames hope to have found stability in goal by signing Jonas Hiller to a two-year deal.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Leafs sign defenceman Robidas — Stephane Robidas is going to Toronto on a three-year deal, and the Maple Leafs’ defence corps will benefit from his crafty play.
Niskanen inks monster deal with Caps — Matt Niskanen was arguably the best defenceman on the open market. But will his game continue to grow? If not, it’s hard to imagine he’ll be worth the price.
Bolland signs in sunny Florida — Dave Bolland might fit in perfectly on the Panthers’ third line, but Florida had to pay him way too much money to do so.
Michalek remains a Senator — With Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky gone, the Senators absolutely had to retain the scoring touch of Milan Michalek and got him at a cap-friendly three years and $12 million.
Leafs bring back Komarov — Leo Komarov will bring underrated toughness back to the Leafs after a year in the KHL, but the price may just be too steep.
Moulson makes return to Buffalo — The Sabres added scoring, and they didn’t have to pay an exorbitant price to get it. But their void is big and Matt Moulson alone probably can’t fill it.
Ehrhoff joins Crosby, Penguins — Christian Ehrhoff might not be a shutdown defenceman — far from it. But he brings skill to the back end and he should fit right in with the Penguins’ style.
Cammalleri brings offence to Devils — After watching some talented offensive players blow town the past few years, New Jersey finally added offence with Mike Cammalleri.
Boyle looks to rebound in NYC — For two years and $9 million, Dan Boyle is now a New York Ranger. But can he regain his earlier-career form after a down year in San Jose?
