Free Agent Frenzy; Big Names Sign With Teams

75 free agents signed with their respective teams July 1st, and 18 additional players followed suit on the 2nd.  A lot of big names were moved around including Simon Gagne, Tim Connolly, Ville Leino, and Michael Ryder, but today we will look at the top free agent signing at the forward, defenseman, and goalie position.

Top Forward:

Brad Richards

Brad Richards waited it out through day 1 of free agency while 75 other players found new teams or re-signed with their former teams.  Early on in day 2, Richards made his decision to go with the New York Rangers by signing a 9 year deal worth $60 million.  He finished last year with 28 goals and 49 assists in 72 games. He'll also surely help out the Rangers, who at times, struggled to put the puck in the net.


Top Defenseman:

Ed Jovanovski

Although age is no longer on Jovanovski's side, the 35 year old continues to prove he still has it.  The 5 time all-star signed a 4 year, $16.5 million dollar deal with the Florida Panthers, the team that Jovo began his career with.  The signing of Jovanovski was just one of many moves the Panthers made to help re-vamp their team. 

Top Goalie:

Tomas Vokoun

After trading away Semyon Varlamov, the Washington Capitals signed goalie Tomas Vokoun to an amazing 1 year deal worth $1.5 million.  Vokoun has finished each of the past 3 seasons with over a .920 save percentage.  He has also has won 20 or more games in each of the past 8 seasons.  He will provide the Capitals with veteran stability in net.