Now several days since last review there has been more good, bad and ugly. Lets review

The good:

·      Bryce getting Johnson at 8.5 for 3 years. From worse to first? Massive offseason of UFA, Johnson has fantastic rates and is in prime of career. He will likely maintain those rates for all three years and for a top 2 blueliner, the money is ok.

·      Frans Nielsen 2 yrs to habs at 5mil per and 5mil sb. His rates all around are solid. He is a good 2^nd liner and at 5mil not horrific money. Not bad at all.

·      Dave restocking defense with Sekera solid rates at 4.95mil for 3 years and 7.45 sb. Will compete again with solid offseason moves. Lost the most in UFA with players like Carter, Backes and Buff, but adding smartly and financially astute.

·      Cob signing Tyutin at 1 year and 4.5mil with 1mil sb. Solid numbers on a one year deal.

·      Jets signing Mike Cammaleri at 3.85 for two years. Rates for year one ok, but if he can return to form, might be a massive steal in year 2.

The bad:

·      Vanek to leafs at 6mil. Garrett wants to compete now before he has to move all his dmen for futures! But 6mil for the vanishing Vanek is about 1.5mil per season too much. And a 4mil SB. Yikes!

·      Going back to Garrett at 9.5mil with 3mil sb for Jumbo Joe. One season I can understand but I am not convinced his rates will be worth it in season 2. Massive knee surgery for a 38 year old. Could be an ugly deal in year 2.

The ugly:

·      Backes at 10mil for two years!! Wow. Backes has never been an offensive stud so this contract is beyond egregious. His rates are ok, and many were interested in the 4-6mil range. But he is now a 2^nd to 3^rd liner. Horrendous deal for a borderline 2^nd liner

·      Sharks signing Varlamov to 6.5 per year deal and near 6 mil cash for a player with back up rates. He may regain form, and if he does, this will look good, but I am not convinced Colorado is going to be any better this season in the NHL. And if so, this contract will look worse and worse!