Off-Season Grades: Northwest Division

Calgary Flames
UFA’s re-signed: Jamie Lundmark
Additions: Jay Bouwmeester, Nigel Dawes, Fredrik Sjostrom, Brandon Prust, Staffon Kronwall
Subtractions: Mike Cammalleri, Todd Bertuzzi, Jordan Leopold, Adrian Aucoin, Jim Vandermeer, Rhett Warrener
Remaining needs: None
Note: Calgary has had one of the best summers, IMO. Brent Sutter is a better fit there than Mike Keenan, and Jay Bouwmeester makes their defensive corps the best in the league. Also, the signings of Dawes of Sjostrom are two under-the-radar moves that will pay dividends. Bravo to you, Mr. Sutter (Darryl).
Grade: A-

Colorado Avalanche
UFA’s re-signed: None
Additions: Craig Anderson, Kyle Quincey, Tom Preissing
Subtractions: Joe Sakic, Ryan Smyth, Andrew Raycroft
Remaining needs: Top-6 forward
Note: The losses of Sakic and Smyth will hit hard, but the Avs aren’t expected to do anything this season anyway. Matt Duchene should play well from the get-go, and Craig Anderson may flourish in Colorado. GM Greg Sherman still has to move a defenseman before the season.
Grade: B-

Edmonton Oilers
UFA’s re-signed: Jason Strudwick
Additions: Nikolai Khabibulin
Subtractions: Dwayne Roloson, Ales Kotalik
Remaining needs: Top-9 forward
Note: If Steve Tambellini would have been able to land Dany Heatley, this grade would be in the A-range. But they still did well, though not very active. Khabibulin is the first true #1 goalie they’ve had in a while. And I like the coaching hire of Pat Quinn...
Grade: B

Minnesota Wild
UFA’s re-signed: None
Additions: Martin Havlat, Greg Zanon, Kyle Brodziak, Wade Dubielewicz, Shane Hnidy
Subtractions: Marian Gaborik, Marc-Andre Bergeron, Dan Fritsche, Martin Skoula
Remaining needs: Depth defenseman
Note: It may take a year to transition, but the new Todd Richards era will witness success. Martin Havlat is a perfect player in Minny. They also added toughness on the back end with Zanon and Hnidy. I’ve liked what new GM Chuck Fletcher has done thus far!
Grade: B+

Vancouver Canucks
UFA’s re-signed: Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin
Additions: Mikael Samuelsson, Andrew Raycroft
Subtractions: Mats Sundin, Mattias Ohlund, Taylor Pyatt
Remaining needs: Defenseman
Note: When it looked like they weren’t going to be able bring back the twins, GM Mike Gillis found a way… and that alone gives them a good grade. Samuelsson is a nice addition, and the Canucks are kickin’ the tires on some trades, as well as an extension for Luongo.
Grade: A-