Ok a bit of a run down of what has transpired on the first day of unrestricted free agency in the NHL.

- D Zdeno Chara bolts from Ottawa to sign with the Boston Bruins for 5 years paying him 7.5 million per season

- D Pavel Kubina says goodbye to the sunshine state and heads north to sign a 4 year deal woth 20 million dollars with the Toronto Maple Leafs

- D Ed Jovanoski gets 32 million over 5 years from the Phoenix Coyotes (the Canucks obviously were never in the running if he was commanding that much)

- G Dwayne Roloson has re-signed with the Edmonton Oilers for 3 years paying him 11 million over those three years.

- RW Jamie Lagenbrunner has re-signed with the New Jersey Devils for 5 years paying 14 million over those 5 years.

- D Francis Bouillon has re-signed with the Montreal Canadiens for 3 years paying him 6 million over those three years.

Bryan McCane and Nikolas Lindstrom were two high profile defencemen that would have been available today but both chose to re-sign with their clubs.

- McCabe signed a monsterous 5 years 28.27 million dollar contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

- Lindstrom signed a 2 year 14 million dollar contract with the Detroit Red Wings.

The off season in the NHL for me is the most exciting time next to the playoffs. In the salary cap era there are more free agents available and an even bigger frenzy and the free agent flood gates only opened 4 hours ago. Much more to come!

I cant believe the Preds signed Jason Arnott of the Dallas Stars! Its HUGE news for the sports world in Nashville. The Preds should be very strong contenders if Tomas Vokoun comes back healthy next year.

Great pickup by the Preds, Kirk.

Ottawa got Martin Gerber....I'm not sure what I think of that.

Pronger got traded to Anaheim! They're going to be tough to beat next year.

Great pickup by the Preds, Kirk.

Ottawa got Martin Gerber....I'm not sure what I think of that.

Pronger got traded to Anaheim! They're going to be tough to beat next year.

Anaheim still needs scoring. They really only have 2 scorers. Edmonton has an awesome offence. Hopefully, they can resign Spacek.

Toups, I'm happy with Martin Gerber...it means no Hasek!

I'm thrilled Wade signed with Ottawa...desite what everyone said, I knew he would!