NHL Free Agency Opens With Teams Balancing Long-Term Deals and Bonuses

Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes made moves to improve their rosters.
Teams gave out performance bonuses and shorter-term deals to maintain flexibility under the salary cap.
Goaltenders received significant pay raises in free agency.
The Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs struggled with contract issues and missed opportunities.
The New York Islanders committed to questionable long-term deals that could hurt them financially down the road.