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The madness of the NHL free agency period began Sunday afternoon, as most of the league’s 30 clubs made moves to help better their chances in the upcoming season. So, because there is so much changing every moment, I will be releasing a daily look at the signings and trades that are made in each division (starting with the Western Conference). That way, you will all be ready for the 2012-2013 campaign far before October comes around. Keep in mind that many teams made a couple other moves before July 1st, but those will not be included in today’s wrap up.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the Pacific Division in the Western Conference.

Anaheim Ducks

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

—–> 5th in the division, missed the postseason.

—–> 23rd in goals scored per game, 21st in power play percentage.

—–> 19th in goals allowed per game, 16th on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

D — Bryan Allen – 31-year-old that played in all 82 games for Carolina last season. He recorded one goal, 13 assists and had a negative one rating while on the ice. On average, Allen spent nearly 20 minutes on the ice each night.

D — Sheldon Souray – The Ducks needed some defensive help, so this move makes sense.  He can produce offensively, as he showed with 21 points last season. And, Souray posted a plus 11 rating, meaning he can be effective on both ends of the ice.

RW — Brad Staubitz – He has played very limited minutes with three different clubs during his four years in the NHL. Anaheim can expect a lot of penalty minutes from this guy, that’s about it.

Dallas Stars

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

—–> 4th in the division, missed the postseason.

—–> 22nd in goals scored per game, 30thin power place percentage.

—–> 15th in goals against per game, 13th on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

D — Aaron Rome – Shortly after the Vancouver Canucks decided not to resign Rome, he was on his way to Dallas to join the Stars. He had 10 points in 43 games last season and is a fairly solid stay-at-home defensive option.

LW — Ray Whitney – Despite being 40-years-old, Whitney was one of the most highly valued free agents on Sunday. He is coming of an amazing 77 point season, and should immediately help the Stars attack.

Los Angeles Kings

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

—–> 3rd in the division, Stanley Cup Champions.

—–> 29th in goals scored per game, 17th in power play percentage.

—–> 2nd in goals allowed per game, 4th on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

LW — Dustin Penner – The importance of this move can’t be seen as clearly when looking at his regular season numbers (17 points) in 2011-2012. However, in the postseason, his 11 points were crucial in the Kings championship run. It’s a smart move to resign him.

San Jose Sharks

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

—–> 2nd in the division, eliminated in the first round of the postseason.

—–> 13th in goals scored per game, 2nd in power play percentage.

—–> 8th in goals allowed per game, 29th on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

RW — Adam Burish – Something that can never be overlooked in the offseason is the addition of solid players for the bottom lines for each club. Burish fits this description. He will likely jump on the Sharks third line and give 20 to 30 points — very solid.

Phoenix Coyotes

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

—–> 1st in the division, eliminated in Western Conference Finals.

—–> 18th in goals per game, 29th in power play percentage.

—–> 5th in goals allowed per game, 8th on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

RW — David Moss – He has dealt with some injury issues in his career, which could be concerning for the Coyotes. But, if he can play, he will be on one of the bottom lines and will be good for about 20 points I’d say.

 

Ice Insiders Chris Berry Interactive Chris Berry Interactive