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3 takeaways from the free-agent frenzy that wasn't

John E. Sokolowski / US PRESSWIRE

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It's a bit dazing when the clock completes its final rotation and the flood of transactions first hit.

Computing the rush of signings and attempting to determine reason requires musing, but it's typically quite simple to take the general temperature of the NHL instantly.

This time around, and with the cautionary tale from the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks' stunning trade of Brandon Saad still fresh in minds, the "frenzy" was approached with careful circumspection.

Here are three things we learned from the first few hours of free agency:

1. Kessel's trade makes him a better player

Though he suffered a significant dip in production last season, Phil Kessel's talent is absolutely unassailable. He's the sixth-best goal-scorer over the last half decade, and his offensive contributions have come largely independent of legitimate support.

Over his six seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the issues - many of which were self-inflicted - compounded, but he was a victim of circumstance, too. His acquisition was the corner cut in a failed rebuild that left the franchise toiling in mediocrity, and it was his salary that seemed to make him directly culpable for the misery.

The NHL is no longer strictly about talent; it's about value on the dollar. And at $6.8 million per season - with the Maple Leafs assisting with the other $1.2 million - Kessel immediately becomes a much better player, in relative terms.

Because for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Kessel takes up a slice of the cap suited for a player with immense skill, but also clear deficiencies. And in addition to being third on the hierarchy - a ranking always better-suited for his game and persona - Kessel upgrades from Tyler Bozak to Sidney Crosby.

2. Prime position

If NHL executives have a weakness, it's for defensemen.

Andrej Sekera, Mike Green, Paul Martin, and Francois Beauchemin were the biggest winners in the first few hours of free agency, out-earning the likes of Michael Frolik, Matt Beleskey, and Mike Ribeiro in terms of annual salary.

The marked indulgence for blue-liners is understandable, considering the demand at the position. But the group available, although impossible to pass as top-pairing performers, was considered stronger than the forwards, and so more likely to be overpaid.

In a span of about 60 seconds, Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli conceded that Sekera probably wasn't a top-pairing defenseman, nor a No. 1 option on the power play. But he signed him at $5.5 million for six seasons (which is just a quarter million less than Dougie Hamilton received from the Calgary Flames), anyway.

3. Tanks rolling

The Maple Leafs spent much of the afternoon shooting out advanced data about their new signings. Matt Hunwick, P.A. Parenteau, Mark Arcobello, and Daniel Winnik drive possession, don't you know?

The score-adjusted shot metrics spouted off, though quite fashionable, were utilized to help defend the four underwhelming splashes, but the Maple Leafs' agenda isn't so hidden.

Meanwhile, the Arizona Coyotes loaded up on unwieldy artillery themselves, paying Antoine Vermette, Brad Richardson, Steve Downie, Zbynek Michalek, and Anders Lindback in an effort to reach cap floor - and be just as bad as the Maple Leafs.

His draft night is still 51 weeks away, but Auston Matthews - who's not certain to be the second coming of Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel - already has suitors jockeying for position on the starting line.

And it's already unapologetic.

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