Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils and St. Louis Blues all made interesting additions to their roster this past summer. Their bets on at least one to two newcomers have paid off very well.
Here’s our perspective on three duos that have impressed thus far this year in Toronto, New Jersey and St. Louis:
Anthony Stolarz and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs made a slew of veteran additions in the off-season, signing goaltender Stolarz and defenseman Ekman-Larsson to multi-year contracts for a combined salary cap hit of $6 million.
Stolarz made the starting goalie job his own, while Ekman-Larsson has come in and also looked terrific – and he’s a favorite of Buds coach Craig Berube, as the Swedish blueliner is logging the second-most ice time of any Leafs skater at an average of 21:29 in 14 games.
Related: The Toronto Maple Leafs’ Best Off-Season Acquisition Cements No. 1 Role
You can add rugged defenseman Chris Tanev to the group of solid Leafs acquisitions, but Ekman-Larsson and Stolarz, in particular, have been outstanding thus far this year after winning the Stanley Cup together with the Florida Panthers. The Leafs needed to be tougher to play against at both ends of the ice, and Stolarz is their best defender and penalty-killer, while Ekman-Larsson has also chipped in on offense with five assists and six points while being solid in his own zone.
For the money Leafs GM Brad Treliving laid out for Stolarz and Ekman-Larsson, he’s getting a heck of a return. And Toronto is in a good spot in the Atlantic Division standings in no small part because of their veteran pickups.
Paul Cotter and Stefan Noesen, New Jersey Devils
Like Toronto, the Devils also made more than a few off-season roster changes, including trading for goalie Jacob Markstrom, defenseman Brett Pesce and D-man Brenden Dillon. But two other acquisitions – left winger Cotter and right winger Noesen – have delivered extremely high value on New Jersey’s third line.
The 31-year-old Noesen, who signed a three-year contract at $2.75 million per season, has six goals and 13 points in 16 games, while Cotter – who was acquired via trade from Vegas – has generated six goals and 10 points for the low cost of $775,000 per season. Playing with center Erik Haula, Noesen and Cotter have done everything expected of them and more, and they’re doing it with minimal minutes.
Related: Which NHL Veterans Could Succeed Hyman And Reinhart As New 50-Goal Scorers?
New Jersey has 10 players with at least an average of 0.50 points per game, and when Cotter and Noesen are contributing meaningful minutes, the Devils are tough to beat. New Jersey GM Tom Fitzgerald has been savvy with his additions, and Noesen and Cotter are worth every penny they’re paying them and more.
Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, St. Louis Blues
When Broberg and Holloway were removed from Edmonton’s roster and made into Blues via offer sheets, there was some trepidation they wouldn’t live up to their new contracts. Those fears have been laid to rest, as Broberg put up seven assists and nine points in 12 games, while Holloway has amassed four goals and six points in 14 games.
Given that Broberg is earning about $4.58 million and Holloway is earning about $2.29 million, those numbers make Blues GM Doug Armstrong happy he invested in the duo. Holloway and Broberg have had some unfortunate run-ins on the health front, but Holloway is currently St. Louis’ second-line center, and when Broberg returns in the next month-and-a-half after recovering from a lower-body injury, he’ll again be a top-four blueliner for the Blues.
Related: Should The Oilers Regret Parting With Broberg And Holloway?
In any case, Armstrong deserves credit for his gumption in signing Broberg and Holloway, and it’s paying off very well thus far this year. It was a risk to sign the former Oilers, but Blues management has made a fine choice to acquire them, and St. Louis looks like a legit playoff contender in part because of the contributions Holloway and Broberg have made.
As for other under-the-radar acquisitions, here’s Katie Gaus with Michael Traikos and Ryan Kennedy:
(Don’t see the video? Click here.)
Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or by visiting our forum.
