5 Best UFA Signings Of NHL Free Agency So Far

There have been a number of good signings for teams in free agency to this point and more will continue to trickle in. There haven't been a ton of game-changing signings, but there has been some big money thrown around and some under the radar deals that teams definitely like and think will pay off greatly. While it isn't easy to narrow it down to just five of the many players signed through three days, here we go.

Vladislav Gavrikov

The New York Rangers didn't get what they wanted from K'Andre Miller last season in his contract year and he was clearly asking for too much for what he contributed. The Rangers not only moved him for a solid return, the team signed an upgrade in Vladislav Gavrikov who was high on many team's radars. He is great defensively and is experienced. New York will also have their full time partner for Adam Fox who is focused on defense and makes a massive impact on the defensive side of the puck. Gavrikov is signed at $7 million AAV for seven years.

Andrew Mangiapane

The Edmonton Oilers didn't overpay and make a move right at the start of free agency. They waited until the night and signed their upgrade on the wing. Stan Bowman has stated that he wants the team to get younger and faster and has done so with the subtractions and the addition of Andrew Mangiapane. He is a legitimate scorer and put up 35 goals one season with the Calgary Flames. The Oilers may have found their under the radar winger for Leon Draisaitl for the next two seasons. With more playing time and a top center playing with him, Mangiapane's two-year, $3.6 million AAV deal could look very good.

Mikael Granlund

The Anaheim Ducks had a ton of money to spend on upgrading and were looking to do so. They lost out on Mitch Marner before ever getting the chance and it didn't seem likely Nikolaj Ehlers was going to choose them as he eventually didn't. The Ducks didn't need to upgrade down the middle, but with the addition of Mikael Granlund, added to an already very deep top-9. Granlund was signed for three years at $7 million AAV. While the money isn't exactly low, the Ducks didn't have to worry about that and got the perfect term on the contract because of it. The scoring forward is still at the top of his game and put up 34 goals and 126 points in 152 games over the past two seasons with the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars.

Pius Suter

The St. Louis Blues continue to make good additions as they brought in Pius Suter on a two-year, $4.125 million AAV deal. Again, this isn't the lowest cap hit, but the term is good to allow some of the young players the time to develop and then stick around in the NHL full-time. Suter played very well for the Vancouver Canucks last season and spent time as the number one center, more than holding his own. This either gives the Blues the freedom to ship Brayden Schenn and move Suter up to the 2C spot or keep Suter on the third line to win the line matches and allow Dylan Holloway to play in the top-6 on the wing.

Nikolaj Ehlers

Ehlers was the latest signing announced and the Carolina Hurricanes ended up winners in those sweepstakes. Over the long-term, $8.5 million AAV isn't going to be bad at all, especially with all the money the team had to spend this offseason and hadn't yet. Ehlers is a legitimate top-6 forward who can skate and score. He had 24 goals and 63 points in 69 games last season primarily on the second line. He will get top line time this season and provides the Hurricanes with another long-time scoring threat. With this addition, they finally convince a star to sign long-term.