David Backes
For more than a decade, Backes was a leader in the Blues locker room and in the St. Louis community. The Boston Bruins signed the 32-year-old power forward to a five-year, $30 million deal in hopes that he will bring that same leadership to Beantown.
Kyle Okposo
Nine seasons after making his NHL debut with the New York Islanders, Okposo decided to leave Long Island for Upstate New York. His veteran presence will be a great addition to a young nucleus that includes Jack Eichel and Ryan O’Reilly as the Sabres are look to make a push for the playoffs.
Taylor Hall
Edmonton shocked the hockey world when they sent former the No. 1 overall pick eastward to join Cory Schneider, Kyle Palmieri and the rest of the Devils in Newark. After recording 328 points in 381 career NHL games, head coach John Hynes expects Hall to add a much-needed scoring spark to the Devils’ lineup.
Shea Webber & P.K. Subban
Every offseason features at least one blockbuster trade, and the Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators swapped marquee blueliners. Habs’ fans hope Shea Webber and his rocket shot will reignite a lagging offense, while Preds’ head coach Peter Laviolette hopes P.K. Subban’s colorful style and big personality plays well on and off the ice in Music City.
