It’s July 1st. Happy Canada Day! For the hockey fanatics, today’s the official start of free agency. The FA Frenzy has been hectic. There have been a lot of moves made. I’ll have more on the highlights later.

For now, let’s focus on the Rangers. Obviously, they don’t have much room to make significant moves. If you were hoping for Garnet Hathaway, forget it. It doesn’t look realistic. Not unless Barclay Goodrow is traded.

What we did get is proven veteran forwards who can solidify a roster in need of better balance. The highlight of the day was the Rangers signing recently bought out former Winnipeg captain Blake Wheeler for one year, $800,000. While he’ll turn 37 at the end of August, Wheeler is a good player who’s been around a long time.

Even with his career nearing its conclusion, Wheeler still produced 16 goals and 39 assists for 55 points in 72 games for Winnipeg. A former first round pick of the Coyotes, who spent time in Boston and Atlanta before they relocated to Winnipeg, he became Mister Jet. Wheeler played the last dozen years for the franchise. He totaled 262 goals with 550 assists for 812 points in 897 games with the Thrashers/Jets.

Undoubtedly, he is a good skater who can play at even strength and on the power play. Of the 55 points he had last season, 40 came at even strength. The remaining 15 were via the man-advantage, including seven power play goals. He’s a great guy who should help on the ice and in the locker room.

As expected, the Rangers agreed to terms with former King Jonathan Quick on a one-year deal worth $825,000. Of course, we know all about the former Conn Smythe winner who won a pair of Stanley Cups. Now 37, the Mildred, Connecticut native will now move close to home and play for the team he beat in 2014.

It’ll be in a backup role behind Igor Shesterkin. The only question I have is, how will a proven starter adjust to life as a part-time goalie? It’s definitely going to be a big adjustment for the likable Quick, who one day could make the Hockey Hall of Fame. He’s won 375 games and posted a career 2.47 GAA, .911 save percentage and 58 shutouts. Most of it came as an LA King where he became the Kings’ all-time franchise goalie leader in wins (370), losses (275), saves (18,188), save percentage (.911), shutouts (57), and total minutes (43,215).

Quick brings plenty of credentials. He’ll replace Jaroslav Halak. Hopefully, it’ll work out well for the Rangers. I think fans will like him. He’s very competitive and has an old-school style. Think Mike Richter.

With so little wiggle room, Team President and GM Chris Drury signed veteran center Nick Bonino for $800,000 over one year. The well-respected 35-year-old forward has spent 14 years in the league. Part of two Stanley Cups with the Penguins, he’s a solid depth piece who can play on the fourth line. That’s fine. He still hit 10 goals for the Sharks before finishing the season back in Pittsburgh. It’s a no frills move for a high character player.

The other signings included Riley Nash, Alex Belzile, Tyler Pitlick, Connor Mackey, and Nikolas Brouillard. Of these depth additions, I like two. Pitlick, who’s a high-energy guy that Peter Laviolette can use. Belzile, who finally made it with Montreal by posting 14 points in 31 games at age 31. Nash has been around. He spent last season in the AHL.

For now, there’s nothing else to add. It’s obvious what the Rangers are doing. They’re adding proven depth to help solidify the roster. Are they a bit older after today? Yes. But they went for players who have good character. That isn’t a bad thing.

The only question is what happens with Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere. How will Laviolette manage them? What about Brennan Othmann and Will Cuylle? They’re gonna have to earn it. It’s not going to be handed to them. I think you have to have that mentality. Maybe that’s what went wrong with Vitaly Kravtsov.

We all want to see the kids be part of it moving forward. As long as they’re ready, I think they will be. Now, it’s about Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller. Drury said he hasn’t discussed Lafreniere with anyone. He shot down that rumor. Let’s hope that he’s telling the truth.

UPDATE: The Rangers added veteran defenseman Erik Gustafsson. They signed him for a year, $825,000. Gustafsson, 31, is a third pair skating defenseman who can chip in offensively.

Laviolette knows him from coaching the Capitals. He did well, tallying seven goals with 31 assists for 38 points in the nation’s capital. Then, he was dealt to the Maple Leafs as a rental for Rasmus Sandin. He didn’t play much in the postseason.

For the Blueshirts, it’s a low risk signing. Gustafsson brings experience. He’ll likely play along with Zac Jones, who is out of options. Considering they re-signed him for two years, this is Jones’ last opportunity to make it in the organization. That in itself is perplexing. But, that’s how they do things. It’s up to Jones to prove himself. Like I mentioned before with Othmann and Cuylle, it’s up to the kids to earn it. Nobody is getting a free ride.

As far as the Devils, they quickly re-signed besties Mike McLeod and Nathan Bastian after not qualifying them. I told Hasan I thought they’d be back. They probably had a handshake agreement. Very cheap. $1.5 million for McLeod, who was terrific in the playoffs. Bastian signed for $1.35 million AAV over two years. McLeod is again restricted next summer.

Jersey added veteran defenseman Colin Miller for a 2025 fifth round pick. That’s a solid depth addition to the blue line. As expected, they lost Ryan Graves. He got paid by the Pens, who signed him for $27 million over six years. Pittsburgh certainly paid for a solid second pair defenseman. But $4.5 million on average is about right got Graves. That’s an upgrade.

Former Devil Miles Wood landed in Colorado. The Avalanche obviously like him because they signed him for six years at an AAV of $2.5 million. I like that move. He’s a fast skater who gets dirty. That is a nice replacement for J.T. Compher, who got overpaid by the Red Wings. More on the other signings either later or tomorrow.

There also was a big contract extension that’ll impact Igor Shesterkin. The Islanders signed Ilya Sorokin to a six-year extension worth $66 million. That averages out to $8.25 million per season. It doesn’t kick in until 2024-25.

Shesterkin has two years left on his contract with an AAV of $5.67 million. That expires in 2025. We’re talking about two of the game’s best goalies. Best friends who play on opposite sides of an intense rivalry. The Islanders just committed a combined $77 million for both Sorokin and backup Semyon Varlamov (4 × $2.75 million).

That definitely will apply pressure on the Rangers. However, they already know what the deal is. Either win a Stanley Cup over the small window that’s left or potentially lose their franchise netminder. Here’s a scary thought. What if they don’t put it together in Year One under Laviolette? Shesterkin has a moderated no-trade clause. He can ask out. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen.

At least Dylan Garand finished his first pro season well for Hartford. He definitely will be a key to the future in goal.

A lot of money has been spent. Some of it crazy. Other stuff is more sensible. Until next time. See you later!

Derek