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NHL: These three teams are winning the offseason

By Avery Klatsky

SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs directs the players during third period action against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on February 27, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Head coach Mike Babcock of the Toronto Maple Leafs directs the players during third period action against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on February 27, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 25: Ron Hainsey #2 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on during the third period against the Boston Bruins of Game Seven of the Eastern Conference First Round in the 2018 Stanley Cup play-offs at TD Garden on April 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeat the Maple Leafs 7-4. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 25: Ron Hainsey #2 of the Toronto Maple Leafs looks on during the third period against the Boston Bruins of Game Seven of the Eastern Conference First Round in the 2018 Stanley Cup play-offs at TD Garden on April 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeat the Maple Leafs 7-4. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

3. Toronto Maple Leafs

Even though Toronto was able to catch the biggest shark in the sea, I am putting them at number three.

Notable Additions:

  • John Tavares, C

You had to see this one coming, right? Well, kinda. I personally really wanted JT to come to Dallas, but I had to expect coming into free agency that they would be one of the underdogs.

It looks like that 32 percent was right. Everyone in the league (except Islanders fans) got their hopes up when midnight struck to begin the month of July and the Tavares camp hadn’t announced anything. Toronto ended up winning the lottery.

Tavares is a stud, having potted 272 goals and 349 assists in 669 career NHL games, all with the Islanders. Last season he scored 84 points (37 G, 47 A) and has established himself as one of the most elite franchise players in the NHL. He signed a massive seven-year, 77 million dollar contract with the Leafs.

  • Tyler Ennis, LW

Tyler Ennis was, in my opinion, one of the best steals of free agency. Toronto was able to sign him to a one-year deal worth $650,000. Ennis, who is only 28, scored 22 points (8 G, 14 A) while with Minnesota last season. Before that, he played his entire career with the Buffalo Sabres.

Ennis was drafted 26th overall by Buffalo in the 2008 NHL draft. In 492 career games, he has registered 258 points (105 G, 153 A).

Other Additions/Re-Signings:

RW Adam Cracknell, D Justin Holl, C Frederik Gauthier, LW Andreas Johnsson, D Rasmus Sandin

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