One of the biggest story lines to come out of the chaotic, climactic first hour of NHL free agency is that the Pacific Division just got a lot more competitive.
The Left Coast didn’t pack as much punch in the 2015-16 campaign as it did in previous seasons. That changed — at least, it appears to have changed at this point in the offseason — with the addition of some big bodies spread across the division.
Milan Lucic
New Team: Edmonton Oilers
New Deal: seven years, $42 million
What He Can Bring To The Team: Granted, Lucic was in the division last year, in a one-year stint with the Los Angeles Kings. But the agitator heading up to Edmonton makes the team a bit more interesting. The move says something about how seriously the Oilers are taking the following season — no more relying on flashy draft picks to get the job done.
Of course, the Oilers are still putting their fate in Connor McDavid’s hands. However, they get a boost by putting a tough winger in Lucic out on the ice with the kid wonder. The 28-year-old winger even said in his interview with TSN on Friday that the first overall pick from the 2015 NHL Draft was a reason he chose Edmonton over other suitors.
Milan Lucic on Sportsnet: "It basically came down to the McDavid factor."
— Amalie Benjamin (@AmalieBenjamin) July 1, 2016
Troy Brouwer
New Team: Calgary Flames
New Deal: four years, $18 million
What He Can Bring To The Team: This one is a bit of a no-brainer. Calgary could use help on the wing — possibly on a line with Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau as some have suggested. But the Flames also need to build a leadership core, one that goes beyond 32-year-old captain Mark Giordano. That’s where a player like Brouwer comes in.
Loui Eriksson
New Team: Vancouver Canucks
New Deal: six years, $36 million
What He Can Bring To The Team: Vancouver went into a nasty tailspin last season, which was started by a dismal record on home ice and a habit of blowing third-period leads. Clearly there is pressure on the 30-year-old Swede to jump-start the Canucks, especially since the team needs help in a variety of areas around the ice.
The SportsNet crew called Eriksson a “safe” signing, although also a “smart” pick for a team that needs help in multiple areas. The already-established chemistry with fellow countrymen Henrik and Daniel Sedin is definitely a plus.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!