Who Were The Best NHL Free Agent Signings Of Summer 2013?

Unlike the NHL Entry draft, assessing the success or failure of free agent signings is a more immediate process.  Unrestricted free agents are, for the most part, veterans who are expected to make an immediate impact on the teams that sign them.  While for those who sign long-term contracts there is still time to prove their worth, I am sure the teams signing them didn’t want to wait.

Dec 18, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing

(68) skates with the puck past Ottawa Senators left wing

(16) during the third period at the Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Senators 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

While coming up with the tops in each position was difficult, it was so for different reasons.  The goaltenders and defensemen weren’t exactly a bumper crop, while there were a number of forwards who made comparable, if not spectacular contributions.

So, of all the free agents that were signed to new teams, who has delivered the most so far?….