Getty Images

If you didn’t already know, the first official day of free agency has the hockey world buzzing. Despite a lockout shortened season, the insanity continues. General managers continue to hand out risky long-term deals on free agents. None of which are superstars. Even with limits and the anticipated decrease of the salary cap, it hasn’t prevented the predictable.

The Devils had no problem handing out $24.25 million to Ryane Clowe off multiple concussions and a down season. Clowe was their backup plan for David Clarkson, who bolted home to Toronto for an even more lucrative deal. One so bizarre, there’s no rational explanation for donating $36.75 million over seven years to the now ex-Devil. Remember when Bobby Holik got $45 million over five years from the Rangers? That’s what this is like. Clarkson had one 30-goal season and wasn’t as consistent this year. He’s 29 and plays the same gritty style as Clowe, which doesn’t bode well long-term.

Of course, these teams aren’t thinking about that right now. Toronto believes it can contend after pushing the Bruins to the brink before a monumental collapse. How does adding Clarkson and re-signing Tyler Bozak for five years, $21 million improve their defense? Despite a strong season from James Reimer in net, they also dealt for Jonathan Bernier. Can someone say goalie controversy?

Clarkson’s deal is so ridiculous that it makes the one Nathan Horton got from the Blue Jackets look like a bargain. Horton has had his share of injuries but is playoff proven scoring clutch goals during the Bruins’ 2011 Cup. He battled through against Chicago despite an upper body injury without missing a game. Columbus agreed to a seven-year $37.5 million contract with the 28-year old right wing. He’s a better player than Clarkson or Clowe which explains why the Jackets anted up. It’s again a question of durability for another player with a concussion history. How many good years does he have left? Columbus plays a similar grinding style to Boston. Can he help them reach the playoffs moving East? Time shall tell.

There have been other moves made. Mike Ribeiro returns West inking a four-year $22 million deal. Rob Scuderi returns to the Pens for four years, $13.5 million, bolstering their blueline. The Flyers got their goalie signing Ray Emery for a year, $1.65 million. Told you they would. A bargain for a guy who can split time with Steve Mason.

Last night, the Devils struck out on Danny Briere, who fooled most experts by not staying local. Instead signing with the Canadiens for two years, $8 million. The appeal of playing for a French Canadian team that on paper is better might’ve swayed him.

Perhaps the biggest news is Daniel Alfredsson informing Ottawa that he’s not returning. After 17 years with the Senators, he’s decided to go to the Red Wings for a year, $5.5 million. It’s understandably sad when a player of that stature leaves the only franchise he’s ever known. Ottawa fans are stinging. I guess he just felt it was time to move on. I didn’t see it coming. Who did? It’s going to be awfully strange seeing Alfredsson donning a Winged Wheel. I can’t picture it.

There are other happenings. We’ll get to them over the weekend.