National Hockey League free agency got underway on Wednesday with some notable transactions via free agency. Let us take a look at seven notable Canadians who changed teams.
7) Jonathan Bernier–New Jersey Devils–The native of Laval, Quebec signed a two-year deal worth $8.25 million. The Devils will be his sixth team following the Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, and Detroit Red Wings. Last week he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, but never played for them. In 24 games for Detroit last year, he had a record of 9-11-1, a goals against average of 2.99, and a save percentage of .914.
6) Cody Ceci–Edmonton Oilers–The native of Ottawa, Ontario signed a four-year deal worth $13.25 million. The Oilers will be Ceci’s fourth team following the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Last season in Pittsburgh, Ceci had four goals and 13 assists for 17 points. The Oilers will be hoping that Ceci takes over from Adam Larsson as their primary shutdown defenseman. Larsson went to the Seattle Kraken in the NHL Expansion Draft.
5) Jaden Schwartz–Seattle Kraken–The native of Wilcox, Saskatchewan signed a five-year deal worth $27.5 million after a decade with the St. Louis Blues. Last season the center had eight goals and 13 assists for 21 points in 40 games.
4) Phillip Danault–Los Angeles Kings–The native of Victoriaville, Quebec signed a six-year deal worth $33 million after two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and the last six seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. Last season Danault, a center had five goals and 19 assists for 24 points in 53 games.
3) Zach Hyman–Edmonton Oilers–The native of Toronto, Ontario signed a seven-year deal worth $38.5 million. The Oilers will be Hyman’s second team following six years with the Maple Leafs. Last year in Toronto, the center had 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in 43 games.
2) Mike Hoffman–Montreal Canadiens–The native of Kitchener, Ontario signed a three-year deal worth $13.5 million. Last year with the St. Louis Blues, Hoffman had 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points. The veteran forward has also played for the Ottawa Senators and Florida Panthers.
1) Dougie Hamilton–New Jersey Devils–The native of Toronto has become one of the best defensemen in the NHL. Last season with Carolina, he had 10 goals and 32 assists for 42 points in 55 games. He has signed a seven-year deal worth $63 million. In addition to the Hurricanes, Hamilton has previously played with the Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames.
