There’s something to be said, though, for filling out a roster with real, live, proven NHL contributors, especially when you’ve got a few foundational pieces in place. In Anaheim, those are Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Cutter Gauthier and, hopefully, a defenseman or two. And they’ve all already spent more than enough time losing games.

Mikael Granlund, one of the most prominent free agent centers in this year's class, signed a three-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks worth $7 million annually on Tuesday, after a season in which the 33-year-old forward posted 22 goals and 66 points.

The Ducks missed out on the biggest names in free agency despite owner Henry Samueli’s guarantee of a blank check, but the versatile Finn adds consistent scoring to a team that finished 30th in