Musts or Busts: Top NHL Offseason Moves

In my recent Covers article, I looked at which free agents will have the greatest impact on their teams`chances to win the Stanley Cup.  The article was written before Koivu signed with Anaheim…

 Musts or Busts: Top NHL Offseason Moves

You think the NBA offseason is a circus? The NHL offseason has been busy with marquee talent swapping teams and changing Stanley Cup futures odds. Here are some of the notable deals:

Philadelphia Flyers (+1500) acquire Chris Pronger

Five-time all-star Chris Pronger is now a Philadelphia Flyer.  Pronger is a perfect fit for a Flyers team that has a longstanding tradition of physical, aggressive play. 

Adding the former Hart and Norris trophy winner improves the Flyers’ chances of winning the Stanley Cup, but note that Ray Emery is currently No. 1 on Philadelphia’s goaltending depth chart.

Calgary Flames (+1800) acquire (and Sign) Jay Bouwmeester

Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter called Jay Bouwmeester “one of the most complete defensemen in the game.”  The Flames now have a formidable defensive core in Bouwmeester, Dion Phaneuf, and Robyn Reghr. 

Calgary will enter the 2009-2010 season better than the team that lost to the Blackhawks in the first round of last year’s playoffs. 

Read the full article here.