Hockey·Analysis

NHL off-season moves you may have forgotten

For every P.K. Subban for Shea Weber-type deal, there were a handful of shrewd off-season signings by NHL clubs. We've gathered some of the most notable-yet-low-key moves that will help determine where a team lands in the standings, for better or worse, come spring.

A refresher on under-the-radar pickups

From left to right, Luke Schenn, Thomas Vanek, Sam Gagner and James Reimer all changed addresses in the off-season. (Getty Images)

There's a good chance you already know Taylor Hall will be wearing a Devils jersey this season. 

Same goes for the Habs swapping P.K. Subban for Shea Weber, and ditto for Steven Stamkos re-signing in Tampa Bay.

Perhaps lost in the off-season shuffle were a few of the craftier deals and shrewd signings by NHL clubs that could very well affect a team just as much as the aforementioned blockbusters. Here are some of the most notable, yet still low-key, moves that will help determine where a team lands in the standings.

All figures are in US dollars

Dallas Stars: Jiri Hudler, one year, $2M
What they're getting: Secondary scoring that can carry the load while important pieces like Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin are injured to start the year.


Columbus Blue Jackets: Sam Gagner, one year, $650K
​What they're getting: Low risk, high-reward deal for a 27-year-old player looking for redemption.


Arizona Coyotes: Luke Schenn, two years, $2.5M
What they're getting: A stay-at-home defenceman following a season where they gave up the third-most goals in the NHL.


Chicago Blackhawks: Jordin Tootoo, one year, $750K
What they're getting: Someone well suited to fill the "energy" role left by departing players like Andrew Shaw and Dale Weise.


New York Islanders: P.A. Parenteau, one year, $1.25M
What they're getting: Cheap offence (20 goals, 21 assists with Leafs last season) hoping to help make up for the departure of UFA Kyle Okposo to Buffalo.


Dallas Stars: Dan Hamhuis, two years, $7.5M
What they're getting: An experienced defender to fill the void left by the trade of Alex Goligoski.


Carolina Hurricanes: Lee Stempniak, two years, $5M
What they're getting: The NHL's Littlest Hobo (of goal scoring). Over the last three seasons, Stempniak has played for six teams, scoring 46 goals along the way.


Philadelphia Flyers: Dale Weise, four years, $9.4M
What they're getting: GM Ron Hextall says Weise is someone who "plays with an edge." Translation? A prototypical Broad Street Bully.


Minnesota Wild: Eric Staal, three years, $10.5M
What they're getting: A Stanley Cup winner whose play has been in decline. Last year's 39 points in 83 games with the Hurricanes and Rangers were his lowest total since his rookie season in 2003-04 (31pts. in 81GP).


Chicago Blackhawks: Brian Campbell, one year, $2M
What they're getting: A veteran d-man who has finished his economic exile from the Windy City (see: the 2010 Stanley Cup champions' great salary shed) signed to an extremely cap-friendly deal.


Florida Panthers: James Reimer, five years, $17M
What they're getting: A former starter to help keep Roberto Luongo fresh for a presumed return to the playoffs.


Edmonton Oilers: Jonas Gustavsson, one year, $800K
What they're getting: An experienced backup to spell presumed starter Cam Talbot.


Detroit Red Wings: Thomas Vanek, one year, $2.6M
What they're getting: A former sniper looking to prove he's still one of the league's finest triggermen.


Detroit Red Wings: Steve Ott, one year, $800K
​What they're getting: An agitator other teams don't like playing against and sometimes fan favourite.