With the preseason just around the corner, its time to see who made the best acquisitions this offseason. The Atlantic Division had a couple of interesting moves, highlighted by the Mike Babcock signing by Toronto that resulted in Detroit and Toronto getting new coaches. There were also a few risky signings for players that have plenty of talent, but a checkered past.
1. Jeff Blashill, Detroit Red Wings
Even though Detroit looks worse for losing their long time coach on the surface, grabbing Jeff Blashill from their AHL team will end up being a big boost for a talented team that was not far away from contending for a Stanley Cup. Blashill has coached a number of the players currently on the NHL team. That list includes stars Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar, who both scored more than 50 points last year. Goalie Petr Mrazek played in all of the teams playoff games, and posted a impressive 2.11 GAA and .925 SV%. Blashill won a title in the AHL with these players and knows how to get the best out of them.
2. Mike Babcock, Toronto Maple Leafs
The long time Detroit coach has proven with his Stanley Cups and division titles that he is an elite coach in the league. That's why it was such a shocker that he would choose such a volatile situation as the one in Toronto. The team appeared to be a playoff contender, until a franchise record 11 game losing streak turned the campaign into a train wreck. To make matters worse, they traded away their best player in Phil Kessel. Babcock knows what he is getting into, but wants to be a part of the resurgence of a once proud Maple Leafs organization. If said resurgence does happen, he would have to be a big reason for it.
3. Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres
The second pick in the NHL draft could make major contributions as early as this season. His performance in the NCAA drew comparisons to NHL legend Paul Kariya, with each proving themselves the best player in the NCAA during their freshman year. Eichel also was a force for team USA in the World Championships that featured mostly NHL talent. Eichel would’ve been the first pick in just about any other draft, but unfortunately this draft had Conner McDavid.
4. Mike Green, Detroit Red Wings
Out of all of the player acquisitions in the Atlantic division, none of them are more proven than Mike Green. Nicknamed “Game Over Green” for his ability to score clutch goals, Green has long established himself as one of the best offensive defensemen in the world. His aggressive, offensive style will blend well with Niklas Kronwall hard-hitting defensive style. Greens critics say he makes mistakes on defense, but Kronwall should be there to give him back up if he does make mistakes.
5. Ryan O’Reilly, Buffalo Sabres
Ryan O’Reilly has been in the news for all of the wrong reasons this off-season. He was not only charged with impaired driving, he was also charged with not remaining at the scene of the crime. This has come amid rumors that he was a distraction for a young team last year that was one of the most disappointing teams in the league. However, people cannot claim that he is a liability on the ice. He has put up more than 50 points three times in his career. That's good news for the offense that put up the least amount of goals in the league last year.
Honorable Mentions
Alexander Semin, Montreal Canadians
Montreal signed the explosive scorer in the hopes that he can play up to his potential. He has three seasons scoring more than 30 goals, but was a disaster in Carolina.
Evander Kane, Buffalo Sabres
Although he was technically signed last year, he still hasn't played a single game in Buffalo. He was drafted fourth overall in 2009 and has a 30 goal season to his credit, but just hasn't shown enough dedication in previous years to reach that plateau again.
Brad Richards, Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings look really smart getting the veteran center after Pavel Datsyuk went down with an injury. He is a Stanley Cup winner, and has 904 career points. The former Conn Smythe winner will fit in perfectly with a team that knows how to win.
Robin Lehner, Buffalo Sabres
Lehner could possibly become Buffalo’s starting goaltender. Brought in from Ottawa, Lehner has average stats as a back up so the Sabres are hoping that being given the starting gig will improve his play.
Jimmy Hayes, Boston Bruins
Really the only player the Bruins brought in the off-season that could help them this season. He got 19 goals last season, and should get more production playing with better players around him than what he had in Florida.
Reilly Smith, Florida Panthers
The 24 year old winger is expected to help out a lot on a young Panthers team after scoring 40 points the season before.
Mitchell Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs
Probably not going to play with the Leafs this year, but could be an instant producer if he does.