Free Agency Day 2011-Alex Sifton

One of the biggest days of the year for diehearts. This year isnt the strongest year, but there is a good depth. No star-power. Closest to star power would be Brad Richards, who is a #1 centre many teams would die for.

1. Philadelphia

Good day so far. Picked up some good role players, but there two notable pickups would have to be Max Talbot, and Jagr. These are two very good players and good signings for Philly. Although Talbot will help, i personally think that 5 years is to long of a deal. I was looking for more of a two year, or 3. Jagr went over to the KHL for 2 years, and is a little bit older, but still proved himself at the World Championships with Czech. I personally think that this is a solid deal for the flyers, and this will help their offensive numbers, especially with the departure of Richards, and Carter. The other player Philly has signed is Lilja. He is a big defencemen. The Flyers are also in pursuit of Brad Richards, and made a pitch to Brad, and his agent in Mississauga. Rating: B+

2. Montreal

has had a good day. Although they have only made 2 signings today, they were two important ones. Alex Auld, who was the back-up for Carey Price last season signed with Ottawa, so they needed to find a replacement. They found Peter Budaj. He played on Colorado last season, and was a good goalie out there who proved himself in the mile high city. This signing will help Carey Price for sure, because Budaj is a bit older, and has a couple more years of experience than Price. Also the Habs have picked up Erik Cole, a power forward who played for Carolina last season, and is a good key to Montreal's line-up. He got 52 points last season, and I think he would produce even more, if Martin put him on a line with Cammalleri and Gionta for example. He was in the shadows this past season because of Eric Staal doing his usual buisness, and Unreal Rookie, Jeff Skinner. The main reason he will help Montreal is the Habs don't really have a big winger, who can drive wide, and will go to the net to get some dirty goals. Rating: A-

3. Florida

They are under Dale Tallon. He is their GM. Most people don't realize that he was also the GM of Chicago, when they won the Cup Last year. Even since Draft week-end, they have been making big splashes, and Dale is acquiring bits of the Chicago team that won the Championship. Such as Brian Campbell, and Kris Versteeg. They are also acquiring veteran leaders such as Ed Jovanovski, and Theodore. These two members have been in the league for a long time and will help out with some of the younger players. I feel that Ed will help Gudbranson out next season , both being defencemen, and Gudbranson will be a rookie. Theodore will do the same with Markstrom, who will most likely be wearing a Panthers uniform. The panthers are going in the right direction because they have Huberdeau, and Grimaldi who are two elite prospects. Some other notable signings are Fleischmann, Upshall, and Goc. Rating B+

Here are my teams that are going in the right directions: Update on Richards: 5 teams have made a pitch to him. These teams are Philly, Toronto, Calgary, TBL, and LA.

Speaking of Tampa, Stammer still hasn't resigned with the Bolts. No doubt that he will resign!!!! No worries to all the lighting fans out there!!!