This week, I thought I would take a Canadian tour and review how the various teams did on the first day of free agency. I may not be a professional scout, but this is my blog site and I say what I want to say.

The Flames have been connected with all sorts of rumors, and their two acquisitions had everyone talking and gossiping. People were throwing around Kovy's, Spezza's, and Carter's names, to mention just a few. The Flames obviously need a top six forward, as they had no offensive game last season. I hear it's hard to win without any goals. They are very disappointing in offensive goal production. I could go on with players' names, but I would be here all day. The main problem was in the secondary scoring of the third and fourth lines.

In Toronto, they were so desperate that they picked up Colby Armstrong on Saturday. He is the very mold of a Burke hockey player, isn't he? He knows how to get into a player's head, and he plays his role perfectly. What I really like about him is that he plays with a chip on his shoulder. The major pickup for the Leafs was Kris Versteeg on Friday. He is a perfect winger for Kessler. He is a hitter with hands. He has size and can take care of himself. I also love his speed. He will be a great sniper for the Leafs.

In Ottawa, I really love the first major signing of the day, Sergei Gonchar. He will be an awesome addition to the powerplay and he has a great shot. He knows how to keep it down with great accuracy. The only thing I worry about is offering him a three-year contract at his age. The Sens have acquired a very good powerplay quarterback in Sergei. I also want to make a comment on the Senators keeping Jason Spezza: I feel it is a great move, because he still a very good player and excellent playmaker. Often, the best move is not making a move at all.

In Vancouver, the Canucks took a gamble by signing Manny Malhotra, a third line center with some great scoring punch. I really like this pickup for the Canucks. Vancouver really opened their wallets when they signed Dan Hamhuis. He is a great defenseman. He could have had more money playing for another team, so Vancouver did well getting him with the money that they did. The Canucks have become a serious contender with these last two transactions.

In Montreal, I really like what the Canadiens did in picking up Dustin Boyd. He is an underrated forward with a great attitude. He will be a great sparkplug. He seems to be able to lift up his teammates when they make a hit or on a big play. He does what it takes to get the puck out of the zone. I really like the signing of Alexander Auld as the backup. He knows his role and does it well. I think he can give the Habs 15 to 20 good quality starts.

In Edmonton, the addition of Kurtis Foster will help bolster the Oilers' defensive corps. He will pitch in on the defensive scoring. I am really surprised at the deal they got for Kurtis. A great job by the management. Steve Maclntyre was signed for one reason only, and he does his job well. Say what you want, every team has one and Edmonton is no exception. I am speaking, of course, of an enforcer. The Oilers need an enforcer to protect their smaller forwards. It you want the truth, I don't think the Oilers are done. I still expect them to pick up a scorer and another power forward.

Are you surprised that Ilya Kovachuk has not been picked up yet? I guess maybe his demands have been a little too high. It makes you wonder if he will have to cut his demands down by a few million dollars. Don't get me wrong, he is the best UFA out there, but in a cap world, it is really hard to put out the maximum on a player. Teams have to be financially responsible in this new NHL.

Until next time, take care.

Randy