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Last, but certainly not least, let’s take a look at the moves in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. In 2011-2012, four of the five clubs were in the postseason, but each certainly has holes to fill before October.

New York Islanders

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

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

—–> 28th in goals scored per game, 8th in power play percentage.

—–> 27th in goals allowed per game, 22nd on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

D — Matt Carkner – If you’re a fan of Carkner, you have been on a roller coaster ride since ‘Free Agent Frenzy’ began. Early on Sunday it was said that he had joined the Avalanche, but instead, he ended up on the other side of the nation. As far as his performance on the ice goes, he has played in progressively fewer games over the last few years, so it’s hard to tell if he’ll be effective in New York.

LW — Eric Boulton – Interesting acquisition, in my opinion. This is a 35-year-old that has never scored more than 13 points in a season and had zero a year ago, but the Islanders bring him in. Good thing he wasn’t very expensive.

C — Brad Boyes – Similar to the Boulton move, this was an interesting move by the Islanders. Boyes is a guy that has shown flashes of brilliance in his career and should have plenty of gas left in the tank at age 30. But, he has produced just 23 and 14 points in two of the last three years, so who knows which guy New York will get.

C — Micheal Haley — I only list this guy because he was signed. That’s about the only significance he’ll have with the Islanders next summer. Expect him to spend a great deal of time in the AHL.

New Jersey Devils

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

—–> 4th in the division, eliminated in the Stanley Cup Finals.

—–> 15th in goals scored per game, 14th in power play percentage.

—–> 8th in goals allowed per game, 1st on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

None. As of Sunday, the Devils were fairly quiet in the free agent madness. I would obviously expect them to put most of their marbles in the re-signing of Zach Parise, so keep an eye on that moving forward.

Philadelphia Flyers

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

—–> 3rd in the division, eliminated in the second round of the postseason.

—–> 2nd in goals scored per game, 6th in power play percentage.

—–> 20th in goals allowed per game, 17th on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

None. Surprisingly, the Flyers haven’t made a single move during the free agency period. But, similar to New Jersey, keep an eye on this group as we get further into the offseason.  I’m sure moves will be made.

Pittsburgh Penguins

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

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

—–> 1st in goals scored per game, 5th in power play percentage.

—–> 15th in goals allowed per game, 3rd on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

C — Tanner Glass – Obviously, the Penguins are not in desperate need of offensive assistant, which is why this move makes sense. Glass brings a physical style of play to Pittsburgh, and you better believe he’ll rough some guys up as a third-liner. Last season he compiled 246 hits.

Other than that, Pittsburgh added a couple of guys that will likely spend their time in the AHL. The Penguins are one of those teams that truly believe they can sign one of the big names left on the market, so expect them to be relatively quiet until all of that plays out.

New York Rangers

2011-2012 By the Numbers:

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

—–> 11th in goals scored per game, 23rd in power play percentage.

—–> 3rd in goals allowed per game, 5th on the penalty kill.

Day 1 Additions:

D — Stu Bickel — This is a good move by the Rangers. Bickel wasn’t a star in his first season of the year, but he is a solid depth defender. He recorded nine points and a plus two rating in his 51 games played. I would expect his output to increase in year two.

RW — Arron Asham — This guy loves the Atlantic Division. That’s the only explanation for the fact that he has now played with all five teams in the division. And, like he did for the other four, he should bring toughness and some offensive ability to the Rangers.

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Follow Ryan Boyd on twitter, @Ryan_Boyd22

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