Grading 8 significant signings on Day 1 of free agency

Like a summer blockbuster, the signings came in fast and furious on Day 1 of NHL free agency.

Now that we've all had some time to catch our breath, let's assess eight of the more significant deals and assign a corresponding grade.

Kevin Shattenkirk, Rangers

The New York Rangers signed the best-available defenseman to a four-year deal worth $26.6 million, making him the team's highest-paid blue-liner and second-highest paid player behind only Rick Nash.

The $6.65-million cap hit may be lower than what he could have reeled in elsewhere, but all signs point to Shattenkirk wanting to play close to his New York-area home.

Not a massive force in his own end, Shattenkirk is a positive possession player at even strength and is averaging 0.61 points per game over his career. His right-hand shot will nicely complement the team's more defensive-minded lefties.

Grade: A

Sam Gagner, Canucks

The Columbus Blue Jackets received tremendous value from the one-year, $650,000 deal signed by Sam Gagner last summer, getting 18 goals and 50 points out of that small investment.

Gagner parlayed that success into a three-year, $9.45-million deal with the Vancouver Canucks.

Adding a 27-year-old to a seemingly rebuilding roster is a curious move, but Gagner should add some much-needed depth down the middle while taking some of the pressure off the club's up-and-coming forwards.

Grade: B

Karl Alzner, Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens made a splash by signing Karl Alzner to a five-year deal worth $23 million.

His career high in points is 21 and he's not a particularly effective possession player, but he does help in the shot suppression department.

All things considered, it's not a great signing in a league that's trending younger and faster.

Grade: C-

Nick Bonino, Predators

The Nashville Predators are stacked on the blue line, but their lack of center depth was all too evident during a Stanley Cup Final loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Enter Bonino from the winning side, as the Predators locked him up to a four-year, $16.4-million deal.

Bonino can contribute offensively, is responsible in his own end, and should slot in nicely behind Ryan Johansen.

Grade: B+

Justin Williams, Hurricanes

Williams returns to a team with whom he won a Cup in 2006, signing a two-year, $9-million deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.

The $4.5-million cap hit may be steep for a player who will turn 36 prior to the start of next season, and the Hurricanes don't seem in position to make good on Williams' desire to play for a Cup winner.

Still, his experience will be valuable to the team's young core and Carolina could make the playoffs if all goes well.

Grade: C

Dmitry Kulikov, Jets

Kulikov's brief tenure in Buffalo was a bit of a disaster. He was limited to 47 games, in which he registered two goals, three assists, a minus-26 rating, and a Corsi For rating of 45.2 at even strength.

Yet somehow, the Winnipeg Jets saw fit to award him a three-year deal worth $12.99 million.

Let's check the reaction from Buffalo.

I can't stop laughing at Winnipeg giving Kulikov three years. Happy Canada Day! #Sabres

- Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) July 1, 2017

Grade: D-

Ryan Miller, Ducks

Miller has long wanted to play in California to be closer to his wife, actress Noureen DeWulf. The Anaheim Ducks granted that wish thanks to a two-year deal for the 37-year-old goalie.

We are beyond excited! https://t.co/eChxi7W34z

- Noureen DeWulf (@noureendewulf) July 1, 2017

Miller posted a .914 save percentage last season for a bad Vancouver team, and will presumably back up and mentor John Gibson while being able to carry starts for longer stretches if needed.

Grade: B

Evgeny Dadonov, Panthers

The Panthers looked to Russia for this signing, luring 28-year-old forward Evgeny Dadonov to North America on a three-year, $12-million pact.

It's a reunion of sorts, as Dadonov was drafted 71st overall by Florida in 2007, but appeared in only 55 games over three seasons before heading home for the majority of his career to date.

Dadonov returns to the #FlaPanthers after ranking fourth in goals (30) and fifth in points (66) in the KHL last season.

- Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) July 1, 2017

He's a bit of an X-factor, but could provide the Panthers with some offensive pop. In the end, we'll downgrade this move a bit based on the relative unknowns.

Grade: C+

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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