2008 NHL Trade: Free Agent Frenzy

The Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks have made some exciting trades.

The 2008 NHL offseason was one of the most dynamic ones we have seen in a while with free agents receiving large-sized contracts. So did the Flames, Oilers and Canucks make the grade with their off-season acquisitions? Here are some of their notable signings.

Calgary Flames

Acquired: Mike Cammalleri (F)
Previous Team: LA Kings
07-08 Quick Stats: 19 G, 28 A
For years, the Flames have been criticized for not being able to surround their captain with offensive sparkplugs, and now Cammalleri fills that void perfectly. He plays all three offensive positions, and brings speed to an offense that needs some gusto. There are some injury concerns with him however, as he missed 19 games last year.

Acquired: Todd Bertuzzi (RW)
Previous Team: Anaheim Ducks
07-08 Quick Stats: 14 G, 26 A
This is a bit of a controversial signing given Bertuzzi's track record; and although he's been a bit of a journeyman the last few years, he received Jarome Iginla's blessing to join the team. When he is healthy and at the top of his game, his style doesn't differ much from the captain himself. He is a strong power-forward who can light the lamp and carry a line all on his own.

Overall Grade: B
The Flames improved their offense considerably, and should contend for the Northwest Division crown as long as their two newest stars can remain healthy.

Edmonton Oilers

Acquired: Erik Cole (RW)
Previous Team: Car. Hurricanes
07-08 Quick Stats: 22 G, 29 A
Cole is cut from the same cloth as Bertuzzi, minus the controversy. When healthy, he is a strong, if not dominant, power forward who is still young and can score a healthy number of goals. He brings a great attitude to a young team and the addition of Cole can only help this team get back into the playoffs.

Acquired: Lubomir Visnovsky (D)
Previous Team: LA Kings
07-08 Quick Stats: 8 G, 33 A
The Oilers now believe that they have the one-two punch they need on defence, with the addition of Visnovsky. He, along with incumbent Sheldon Souray, should form a mighty back end on the Oilers'powerplay. Visnovsky still has four years left on his deal, so this gives Edmonton some long-term security on the financial side of things.

Overall Grade: B
Cole is a great addition to the offense but Edmonton pretty much kept the status quo here, as most of their players were already under contract for the upcoming season.
 

Vancouver Canucks

Acquired: Pavol Demitra (RW)
Previous Team: Minnesota Wild
07-08 Quick Stats: 15 G, 39 A
At 33, this Slovakian winger can still get the job done. He brings playmaking ability and a good knack to score as he had nine consecutive seasons with 20+ goals prior to last year. He is no longer the lights-out winger he was during his days in St. Louis, but will still provide offense to a Canucks team that will be starved for goals this year.

Acquired: Steve Bernier (RW)
Previous Team: Buffalo Sabres
07-08 Quick Stats: 16 G, 16 A
A young star with untapped potential, Bernier could develop into an excellent power forward one day. He should provide some offense for the Canucks in the meantime. Bernier should also lead a physical charge, and the Canucks are pinning their hopes on seeing what this young man can really do.

Overall Grade: C
Vancouver needed to make more improvements to their team, as they lost more than they gained with Markus Naslund heading for the bright lights on Broadway and Brendan Morrison leaving for Anaheim. The Canucks do have goaltender Roberto Luongo; but plain and simple, they have lost too much and not done enough to fill their holes.