NHL Free Agency Frenzy- Who were the best free agent signings of all time? Well, here are two of them
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FrankieJuly 24, 2022 (1:09 PM)
The 2022 NHL Free Agency period has been nothing but thrilling. Lots of big moves made and big signings. So far, we saw one of the best NHL players in "Johnny G" sign a massive deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Also joining him with a new deal is Patrick Laine.
Fans and media personal have also witnessed a late night "sign and trade" with Matthew Tkachuk, who is headed to Florida, in a huge deal. The first ever "sign and trade" in NHL History.
Let's look back on some of the best and the worst free agent signings of all time.
Zdeno Chara- Boston Bruins
The offseason of 2006, the Boston Bruins made the decision to sign the 6'9 defenseman in Zdeno Chara. Leaving a successful three-year stint with the Ottawa Senators. Chara had 35 goals and 103 points in 228 games. A five-year contract worth $37.5 million was signed, sealed and delivered. It was a decision which strengthened an offensively challenged Bruins blue line
The offseason of 2006, the Boston Bruins made the decision to sign the 6'9 defenseman in Zdeno Chara. Leaving a successful three-year stint with the Ottawa Senators. Chara had 35 goals and 103 points in 228 games. A five-year contract worth $37.5 million was signed, sealed and delivered. It was a decision which strengthened an offensively challenged Bruins blue line
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His most significant contribution to date is leading the Bruins to a Stanley Cup Championship in 2011. He also helped the team reach the Final in 2013 and 2019, falling to the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues, respectfully. All of this makes the Chara signing one of the best free agent acquisitions of all-time.
Ed Belfour- Dallas Stars
Dallas Acquiring undrafted goaltender Ed Belfour, provided instant stability in the crease, creating the foundation for a Stars team that would be competitive for many years to come. They went pretender to contender.
Dallas Acquiring undrafted goaltender Ed Belfour, provided instant stability in the crease, creating the foundation for a Stars team that would be competitive for many years to come. They went pretender to contender.
In seven seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, Belfour's save percentage (SV%) never eclipsed .907, while his goals against average (GAA) was 2.65. In his last few seasons in the windy city, Belfour saw his playing time decrease, eventually being traded to the San Jose Sharks.
In his first season in the Dallas, he had by far one of the best seasons of his career. A sparkling 1.88 GAA, a .916 SV% and 37 wins in 61 games played on the road to winning the Presidents' Trophy.
His next season was even better, especially in the playoffs where Belfour's GAA was 1.67 to go along with a .930 SV%. Alongside these numbers and three playoff shutouts, the Stars won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. He outbattled one of the best goalies of all-time in Dominik Hasek with a 1.26 GAA in the Stanley Cup Final.
A consistent, dominant force, Ed Belfour was an excellent free agent signing by the Stars. This signing solidified his place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
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