After the first day of the NHL free agent signing period, here are the 15 teams that have done the best job of improving their outlooks this offseason (updated Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET):
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: Everyone thought Steven Stamkos was gone, and he’s still the face of the team. Now, Victor Hedman (eight years, $63 million) and Andrei Vasilevskiy (three years, $10.5 million) are re-signed. General manager Steve Yzerman cleared cap space by buying out defenseman Matt Carle. The Lightning are in position to trade Ben Bishop now or later. They also signed role players Michael Bournival and Jeremy Morin.
2. Buffalo Sabres: GM Tim Murray continues to impress with his aggressiveness, signing Kyle Okposo to play on a line with Evander Kane and Ryan O’Reilly. At the draft, he acquired Dmitry Kulikov, 25, to fill a major hole on his blue line. If the Sabres get strong goaltending, they will be a much-improved team.
3. New Jersey Devils: None of the forwards signed Friday are more dangerous than Taylor Hall, whom GM Ray Shero acquired Thursday in a trade for defenseman Adam Larsson. The Devils also signed free agent defenseman Ben Lovejoy, who played an important role in helping the Penguins win the Stanley Cup. Shero also has added big forward Beau Bennett. He has 20-goal potential if he can stay healthy. Vernon Fiddler is a useful bottom-six forward.
4. Calgary Flames: The addition of Brian Elliott will stabilize the team’s goaltending, and Troy Brouwer’s grit and scoring ability fill a need. He could be a perfect fit to play with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.
5. Chicago Blackhawks: GM Stan Bowman made one move, signing Brian Campbell for one season at $2 million, but that could help the Blackhawks win a Stanley Cup.
6. Edmonton Oilers: The signing of Milan Lucic might help Edmonton fans forgive general manager Peter Chiarelli for trading Hall. Chiarelli and Lucic know each other well because of their days together with the Boston Bruins. Lucic’s skill will be perfect for this organization. He can help Chiarelli change the Oilers’ culture. He will ride shotgun for Connor McDavid. He will teach the Oilers how to be winners. Although Chiarelli overpaid to land Larsson, he is a desirable right-hand-shot defenseman. He is a B defenseman with the potential to be an A-. The Oilers also drafted winger Jesse Pujujarvi, and he should be able to play this season. He could be the 21st-century version of Jari Kurri.
7. San Jose Sharks: Given what others commanded on Day 1 of free agency, the Sharks’ signing of Mikkel Boedker for $16 million over four season seems like a bargain. The signing of David Schlemko for $8.4 over four years is a value acquisition. He’s an effective No. 5 or No. 6 defenseman.
8. Toronto Maple Leafs: With the selection of Auston Matthews in the draft and the trade for goalie Frederik Andersen, the Maple Leafs have taken a major step toward becoming a contender, even if it won’t happen for two seasons.
9. Nashville Predators: Acquiring P.K. Subban helps this team long term and short term. His puck-rushing ability could become a key component of coach Peter Laviolette’s offensive attack. Plus, Subban is four years younger than Shea Weber. Subban’s personality makes him a marketing department dream performer.
10. Vancouver Canucks: Loui Eriksson is a good fit to play with the Sedin twins. Big and mobile defenseman Erik Gudbranson, acquired from the Florida Panthers, will help the defense.
11. Minnesota Wild: Landing Eric Staal on a three-year deal worth $10.5 million is a value signing. His offensive numbers might rise again now that he is playing in Bruce Boudreau’s system. If they don’t, he is still a savvy, experienced player and a high-character teammate. Chris Stewart can provide secondary scoring.
12. Florida Panthers: New GM Tom Rowe acquired and signed Keith Yandle, one of the league’s premium offensive defensemen, before the free agency period began. The Panthers then kicked off Day 2 of free agency by signing Jason Demers to a five-year deal worth $4.5 million per season. For those keeping score at home, Dmitry Kulikov, Erik Gudbranson and Brian Campbell are gone from the defense and Yandle, Demers and Mark Pysyk are in. More important, Aaron Ekblad has agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth $60 million. Plus, the Panthers signed goalie James Reimer for five years, $17 million. Reimer will be the No. 1 until Roberto Luongo, 37, recovers from hip surgery. Eventually Reimer could become his replacement.
13. Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings gave too many years (six years, $31.5 million) to Frans Nielsen, but the fit is there. He has the skill set to help the Red Wings overcome the loss of Pavel Datsyuk. Nielsen is a crafty offensive player, and will be a solid No. 2 center. The signing of Thomas Vanek for $2.6 million could be a bargain if Vanek nets 20-25 goals. The Red Wings need offense. Steve Ott adds grit, and the Red Wings are hoping Matt Lorito can be another Conor Sheary.
14. Dallas Stars: The signing of Dan Hamhuis for two years at $3.75 million per season is a high-value acquisition. They traded away Alex Goligoski because he wanted more than $5 million. The Hamhuis signing is a good recovery. Patrick Eaves was re-signed.
15. Boston Bruins: The Bruins’ top three centers are Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci and David Backes. While a five-year deal might be too long for a 32-year-old, he will be a factor in the short term. He has a presence on and off the ice. He’s a physical player and a born leader. The Blues will miss him.
