Joined: Dec. 2017
Posts: 5,012
Likes: 3,523
Most improved:
1. Colorado Avalanche: I love the trade for Saad. He's gonna be a big part of their Stanley Cup run next season. As good as this move was, however, the trade for Devon Toews was even better. I watched him a lot with NYI. He's a rock solid top 4 D who can play at both ends of the ice. The trade with the Isles once agin shows how important an asset cap space can be for contending teams. I think the Avs start next season as the overwhelming favorite in the West.
2. Ottawa Senators: Anytime you add two top 5 picks you're making big time progress. I would've taken Stutzle at #2, so I really like this draft for the Sens. Signing Dadonov should provide some much needed offense. Murray was probably a bit overpaid, otherwise they'd be #1.
3. New Jersey Devils: Not sure what Stan was thinking letting Crow go. This is my favorite Goalie move this offseason. The Devils also added three 1st rounders, a solid LHD in Murray, and they scored a big W by trading for Johnsson from the Leaf. They'll still probably miss the playoffs next season, but they're looking good down the road.
4. Edmonton Oilers: Adding Tyson Barrie alone gets them in the top 5. He's gonna score 55-60 points next season and should help make the league's #1 PP even more dangerous. The Turris signing was also incredibly opportunistic. Imagine if this team had average goaltending!
Buffalo Sabres: They've gone years w/o making any good decisions. But, Hall and Eichel could be one of the league's top dynamic duos next season. Adding Eric Staal for overpaid MoJo was also smart. This team still has a lot of holes, but they'll be much improved next season and very fun to watch.
Honorable Mentions:
6. MTL
7. VAN
8. CGY
9. TOR
10. LAK
Least Improved (Who Got Worse):
1. CHI: No identity. Even Capt. Toews sounds confused.
2. ARI: Epic disaster. Chayka destroyed this franchise and then split. Ouch! How'd that Hall trade work out?
3. FLA: 1/3 of top six is gone with no replacement, yet. Adding Hornqvist makes no sense to me.