While the hockey world has CBA talk in the driver seat, the free agency period has been thrown out of the van. No fear, we found it on the side of the road 4 weeks later and are giving it a ride. Here is what has gone down for the Western Conference teams.
Note: This only includes Free Agent signings. No trade or resignings here. All signings according to the NHL website.
Anaheim Ducks
Who They Signed: Brad Staubitz, Bryan Allen, Sheldon Souray, Jordan Hendry, Daniel Winnik
What That Means: The Ducks do improve their blueline and add some depth. Other than trying to trade Bobby Ryan and hoping Selanne can defy aging again, it'll remain status quo.
Calgary Flames
Who They Signed: Jiri Hudler
What That Means: The Flames want to stay mediocre. Need I say more?
Chicago Blackhawks
Who They Signed: Sheldon Brookbank, Martin St. Pierre
What That Means: The Blackhawks AHL team just got better.
Colorado Avalanche
Who They Signed: John Mitchell, PA Parenteau, Greg Zanon, Sean Sullivan
What That Means: Colorado is willing to gamble on Parenteau not being just another winger of Tavares'.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Who They Signed: Adrian Aucoin, Curtis McElhinney
What That Means: They'll still suck. Enjoy another high draft pick.
Dallas Stars
Who They Signed: Ray Whitney, Aaron Rome, Jaromir Jagr, Tyler Sloan
What That Means: When (it better happen!) GM Neuiwendyk decides to come out of retirement and centre Whitney and Jagr, the Stars will have one of the most dominant lines in the league...provided it's 2002 and not 2012. Old jokes aside, Whitney and Jagr will provide the veteran presence that the Stars need for a young club to grow.
Detroit Red Wings
Who They Signed: Jordon Tootoo, Mikael Samuelsson, Jonas Gustavsson, Brennan Evans
What That Means: You lose Lidstrom to retirement, you panic. Gustavsson should improve (since he's now a former Leaf), but there was no improvement to the Red Wings defence thus far. Not that you can improve from Lidstrom, but the gap could have been improved.
Edmonton Oilers
Who They Signed: Justin Schultz, Dane Byers,
What That Means: Schultz does improve the blueline, but this is still a young team. Wait 4-5 years for something magical.
Los Angeles Kings
Who They Signed: Andrew Bodnarchuk
What That Means: Why change what works?
Minnesota Wild
Who They Signed: Zenon Konopka, Torrey Mitchell, Jake Dowell, Zach Parise, Ryan Suter, Brian Connelly
What That Means: Just give them the Cup right now. Getting the two biggest free agents this offseason was the biggest hockey coupe in a long time.
Nashville Predators
Who They Signed: Chris Mason, Mike Moore
What That Means: Well...at least they kept Shea Weber.
Phoenix Coyotes
Who They Signed: Chad Johnson, David Moss, Chris Conner, Rob Klinkhammer, Steve Sullivan, Nick Johnson, Joel Rechlicz
What That Means: They add more depth and have a veteran presence in Sullivan if Doan leaves. Now will they still be in Arizona next season?
San Jose Sharks
Who They Signed: Adam Burish, Bracken Kearns, Jon Matsumoto
What That Means:Are they tougher? Yes. Are they improved? No. San Jose needs scoring depth, they are already a tough team. Also, a goalie may help.
St. Louis Blues
Who They Signed: Jeff Woywitka, Andrew Murray, Taylor Chorney, Mike McKenna, Scott Ford
What That Means: Not much, just depth moves that won't improve an already good team much.
Vancouver Canucks
Who They Signed: Jason Garrison, Patrick Mullen, Derek Joslin,
What That Means: Along with Loungo, the Chicago Wolves will become Calder Cup champions next season. Also, Garrison will add scoring from the blueline, provided last season wasn't a fluke.
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