Artemi Panarin, F, New York Rangers
New York pushed its rebuild ahead in a big way by signing the 27-year-old to a seven-year contract July 1. The Rangers were tied for 23rd in the NHL in scoring last season (221 goals, 2.70 per game). Panarin led the Blue Jackets with 87 points (28 goals, 59 assists), and his 320 points (116 goals, 204 assists) since 2015-16 are eighth among NHL players.
Joe Pavelski, F, Dallas Stars
Pavelski signed a three-year contract with the Stars on July 1 after spending his first 13 NHL seasons with the Sharks, including the past four as captain. The 35-year-old can play center or wing and will provide secondary offensive support to Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin.
Corey Perry, F, Dallas Stars
Perry signed a one-year contract with Dallas on July 1 after he played his first 14 NHL seasons with the Anaheim Ducks. The Stars hope that the 34-year-old can stay healthy and contribute offensively as a middle-six forward. Perry missed the first four months of last season recovering from knee surgery, scored six goals in 31 games, and had the final two seasons of his contract bought out June 19. He broke his left foot Sept. 11, leaving his availability for the season opener against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 3 in question.
Anton Stralman, D, Florida Panthers
The 33-year-old agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the Panthers on July 1 after playing the past five seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Injuries limited Stralman to 47 games last season, including a lower-body injury that sidelined him for the Lightning's four-game loss to the Blue Jackets in the Eastern Conference First Round. When healthy, Stralman can play significant minutes in all situations.
P.K. Subban, D, New Jersey Devils
The 30-year-old was acquired in a trade from the Predators for two draft picks and defensemen Steven Santini and Jeremy Davies on June 22. Voted the winner of the Norris Trophy as the best defenseman in the NHL in 2012-13, Subban brings a high-energy style to a team in need of an offensive boost from its defensemen. Subban scored at least 50 points four times in the past six seasons; in 63 games last season, he had 31 points (nine goals, 22 assists), which would have been more than every other Devils defenseman except Damon Severson (39 points). New Jersey also signed 31-year-old forward Wayne Simmonds to a one-year contract.