8 Best Moves of the 2019 NHL Offseason So Far

The 2019 NHL offseason is in full swing and we've already seen some moves that will seriously shake up the league. While certain teams have made rather meaningless moves, others have made deals that will drastically change the face of their franchise. These eight moves are the best we've seen in the NHL offseason so far.

8. New Jersey Devils Sign Wayne Simmonds

In one of their best offseasons in recent history, the New Jersey Devils finally added some grit to their lineup. The acquisition of Wayne Simmonds on a one-year, $5 million deal is perfect for both the Devils and the 30 year-old forward. After splitting time between the Flyers and Predators last season, Simmonds will get a fresh start with one of the emerging threats out of the Eastern Conference.

7. Dallas Stars Sign Joe Pavelski

After 13 seasons with the San Jose Sharks, Joe Pavelski will head to the Dallas Stars on a three-year, $21 million deal. Although they are loaded with offensive talent, this is a great move for the Stars. Not only do they add another terrific leader to their group, but they also get one of the best net-front presences in the league. Pavelski should be a great fit in Dallas.

6. Arizona Coyotes Trade for Phil Kessel

The deal between the Penguins and Coyotes that sent Phil Kessel to Arizona was actually a great move for both sides. In return, the Penguins received Alex Galchenyuk along with some smaller pieces. Kessel and Galchenyuk are both excellent offensive talents and will provide a scoring touch for their new respective teams. Although Kessel was obviously the biggest name in the trade, the move actually pays off well for the Penguins as well.

5. Maple Leafs Trade for Tyson Barrie

The Toronto Maple Leafs struck gold in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche. Along with dumping the radical behavior of Nazem Kadri, the Leafs also acquired a top-four defenseman in Tyson Barrie. Although the deal wasn't exactly a loss for the Avs, Toronto certainly got the better end of it by acquiring Barrie along with Alexander Kerfoot. With the Mitch Marner situation still ongoing in Toronto, this was a great move by Leafs' GM Kyle Dubas.

4. Chicago Blackhawks Sign Robin Lehner

This is probably one of the most underrated moves of the NHL offseason so far. After a terrific year with the New York Islanders, Vezina trophy finalist Robin Lehner was signed to a one-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks worth $5 million. With the Blackhawks coming off a mediocre year and in need of a new starting goaltender, acquiring Lehner was a steal. If we see the same Lehner next year, Chicago will be in good hands.

3. New York Rangers Sign Artemi Panarin

For awhile, it seemed as though the Islanders were the favorites to sign Artemi Panarin. However, with a deal spanning seven years worth $81.5 million, the Rangers were able to snag the "Breadman". Getting Panarin will not only change the face of the Rangers' offense, but their franchise as a whole. Although they had to shell out a lot of money to get him, the Rangers bringing Panarin to New York is huge for their rebuild.

2. Florida Panthers Sign Sergei Bobrovsky

Along with Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky was one of the biggest names on the board at the start of free agency. After signing a seven-year, $70 million deal with the Panthers, Bobrovsky has found a new home in Florida. With the acquisition of a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, the Panthers could make a serious run in next year's playoffs and are an emerging favorite to win the Eastern Conference.

1. New Jersey Devils Trade for PK Subban

In one of the first and biggest moves of the 2019 NHL offseason, the Devils traded for All-Star defenseman PK Subban. All in all, New Jersey didn't even have to deal too much to get Subban in a Devils jersey. The Devils are going to look much different heading into the 2019-2020 season and adding Subban to their blue line is easily the biggest change. So far, the Devils have clearly won the 2019 NHL offseason.