Eight winners before NHL free agency begins

The NHL free agent signing period starts at noon ET on Friday, but several general managers have already made significant moves to improve their teams. Here are the teams that have made the most progress so far:

1. New Jersey Devils:  The team that was ranked last in goals per game in 2015-16 has acquired Taylor Hall, one of the NHL’s most dangerous scorers. It will be challenging to replace defenseman Adam Larsson, but this move could transform the Devils.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs: Even before drafting future superstar Auston Matthews No. 1 overall, the Maple Leafs landed goalie Frederik Andersen to be their No. 1. He’s 6-4, and takes up most of the net. He’s only 26.

3. Tampa Bay Lightning:  Steven Stamkos never left, but it feels as if he has come back. He chose to stay. Major win for the Lightning.

4. Calgary Flames: The Flames were the only NHL team in 2015-16 to record a team save percentage below .900 and they have added goalie Brian Elliott (from St. Louis), who was at .930 last season.

5. Detroit Red Wings:  Somehow general manager Ken Holland moved Pavel Datsyuk’s salary cap hit to the Arizona Coyotes without as much pain as had been anticipated. The Red Wings now have about $14 million to use in free agency, according to generalfanager.com.

6. Nashville Predators: GM David Poile made another bold move, acquiring P.K. Subban for Shea Weber. Both Subban and Weber are difference-makers, but Subban is younger and his puck-moving style is a better fit in coach Peter Laviolette’s offensive attacking system.

7. Montreal Canadiens: Fans in Montreal seem to hate the Subban deal, but the additions of Andrew Shaw (from Chicago) and Weber mean the Canadiens will be harder to play against in 2016-17. With Shaw and Brendan Gallagher buzzing around and Weber's physical presence, the Canadiens have a new look.

8. Buffalo Sabres: The always-aggressive GM Tim Murray has upgraded his defense by adding Dmitry Kulikov, 25, in a deal with the Florida Panthers.