The day that shook up the NHL: Winners, losers
The free agency period will open in less than 48 hours, but it's hard to believe it will top the excitement of Wednesday afternoon in the NHL. A look at the winners and losers from the frenzy:
Predators trade Shea Weber to the Montreal Canadiens for PK Subban
Who wins: The Predators are the winner because they get younger by four years, and secure a player who will fit perfectly in coach Peter Laviolette’s high-octane up-tempo attacking style. Subban’s offensive style and personality will win over fans. The team's top four defensemen are 27 or younger
Who loses: No one really. The Canadiens will be happy with Weber, a low-maintenance star with a powerful slap shot and a physical side. He's intimidating. With the addition of Andrew Shaw and Weber, the Canadiens will be a lot harder to play against next season.
Rexrode: Weber for Subban? Actually, yeah
Steven Stamkos stays in Tampa Bay
Who wins: The Lightning and Stamkos. The Lightning are a contending team, and Stamkos is the leader and face of this team. He has agreed to re-sign for eight years, $68 million, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person requested anonymity because the contract has not been announced. Stamkos has everything he could want or need in Tampa. He is surrounded by talent. He has a shot to win the Stanley Cup. He has popularity, and just enough privacy.
Allen: Steven Stamkos had no reason to leave Lightning
Who loses: The Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins and New York Islanders. All of them wanted a chance to sign Stamkos on July 1.
NHL free agency 2016: Don't overpay for these five players
Taylor Hall traded to New Jersey for Adam Larsson
Who wins: Devils. They were last in in goal production (2.22 goals per game), and Hall is a proven scorer. He’s only 24. The game is becoming faster and Hall can make plays at high speed. Hall gives the Devils a game-breaker up front.
Who loses: The Oilers, at least for now. It’s difficult to believe that the Oilers couldn’t have gotten a better return for Hall. General manager Peter Chiarelli will take some heat in the court of public opinion. But the deal will look better if the Oilers land winger Milan Lucic. If Larsson doesn’t play at a high level, fans in Edmonton will be rough on him.