It's still early in the off-season, but on paper, these five NHL teams are among the most improved so far, says Adam Proteau. Ondrej Palat and Juuse Saros [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA3NTk4MDYxNjM4MTMzNDAx/usatsi_22514321_168400847_lowres-1.jpg] Ondrej Palat and Juuse Saros The NHL’s free agent buffet was more or less closed in the hours after July 1. While we of course have to note that the real winners and losers of free agency won’t truly be seen until next season and beyond, the truth is there are teams demonstrably better today than they were 72 hours ago or right after the 2023-24 season on paper. Which teams have improved the most? Here are this writer’s picks: 1. NASHVILLE PREDATORS Biggest moves: Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei, Juuse Saros (re-sign), Alexandre Carrier (re-sign), Scott Wedgewood Departures: Jason Zucker, Tyson Barrie, Anthony Beauvillier, Kevin Lankinen Few teams have transformed themselves as radically – and we can pretty much say, successfully – as the Predators did with trades and free agency. Star forward Steven Stamkos instantly becomes one of the best players on Nashville, and high-end defenseman Brady Skjei and winger Jonathan Marchessault make the Predators one of the most competitive teams in the Central Division. Returning stars, such as goalie Juuse Saros and defenseman Roman Josi, are still the cornerstones of the team, but Predators GM Barry Trotz put on a clinic as to how a franchise takes its next competitive step. Nashville now has serious expectations for immediate and long-term Stanley Cup playoff success. 2. UTAH HOCKEY CLUB Biggest moves: Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino, Sean Durzi (re-sign), Juuso Valimaki (re-sign), Ian Cole Departures: J.J. Moser, Conor Geekie, Josh Brown, Travis Boyd The former Arizona Coyotes' hockey assets were already an up-and-coming group entering this summer, and Utah GM Bill Armstrong made some excellent additions where the team needed it most – on defense. Trading for former Tampa Bay star D-man Mikhail Sergachev was a home run for Armstrong, and Utah’s back end got deeper and better by acquiring John Marino in a trade and Ian Cole in free agency. Utah’s collection of forwards was pretty much left alone, but considering how young and talented those forwards are, that’s an understandable commitment to the present and future. In an improved Central Division, Utah should start to set its sights on a playoff appearance, even if Armstrong said at the draft it's hard to predict making it that far [https://thehockeynews.com/news/nhl-utah-acquires-a-pair-of-defenseman-youre-going-to-help-us-win-a-championship]. They’re clearly improved, and now it’s about the expectation that comes along with it, and the drive and determination to leave behind their struggles. 3. NEW JERSEY DEVILS Biggest moves: Jacob Markstrom, Brett Pesce, Paul Cotter, Brenden Dillon, Stefan Noesen, Johnathan Kovacevic, Tomas Tatar Departures: Alexander Holtz, Tomas Nosek, Kaapo Kahkonen, Kevin Bahl There was plenty to like about the Devils before free agency and trades began in earnest, but New Jersey GM Tom Fitzgerald was a shrewd and savvy operator in terms of trades and signings. The Devils strengthened their goaltending with Jacob Markstrom, then bolstered his defense by landing UFAs Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon. Finally, the Devils added solid depth at forward with the acquisitions of Stefan Noesen and Paul Cotter. It’s been a serious makeover, but New Jersey’s defense corps is now one of the best in the league, and their core forward talent is still coming into their own. If the Devils don’t make the playoffs this coming season, Fitzgerald must answer for it. But that isn’t likely to occur. Instead, good days are soon to come. 4. WASHINGTON CAPITALS Biggest moves: Jakob Chychrun, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Andrew Mangiapane, Logan Thompson, Matt Roy, Brandon Duhaime, Taylor Raddysh, Connor McMichael (re-sign) Departures: Darcy Kuemper, Max Pacioretty, Nicolas Aube-Kubel We’re the first to admit we don’t like the direction of the Capitals, who appear to be in last-gasp mode in their competitive cycle. But after we wrote about the initially underwhelming moves Caps GM Brian MacLellan made this off-season [https://thehockeynews.com/news/opinion-capitals-recent-trades-look-more-like-unnecessary-gambles-than-needle-movers], Washington got stronger on defense with the trade acquisition of Jakob Chychrun and the signing of Matt Roy. Their goaltending is at least as good with starter Charlie Lindgren and new No. 2 Logan Thompson. As far as we’re concerned, at best, the Capitals are a fringe playoff team delaying a rebuild. But are they now better on paper with additions like Pierre-Luc Dubois? Sure. That’s why they made the list. 5. BOSTON BRUINS Biggest moves: Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, Max Jones, Joonas Korpisalo Departures: Linus Ullmark, Jake DeBrusk, Matt Grzelcyk, Pat Maroon, Kevin Shattenkirk Prior to the kick-off to free agency, few pundits were expecting the Bruins to outbid other teams for top targets. But with the signings of center Elias Lindholm and defenseman Nikita Zadorov, Boston is now considerably better than what was already a pretty solid squad. Yes, losing veteran goalie Linus Ullmark hurt the organization, but in more limited action, second-string goalie Joonas Korpisalo might prove to be solid enough to take all the pressure off star and starter Jeremy Swayman. Bidding farewell to winger Jake DeBrusk also represents a step back of sorts, but the arrivals of Lindholm and Zadorov prove the B's are not yet willing to go into the sunset quietly and quickly. They’re now more dangerous than they were last week. Get the latest news and trending stories right to your inbox by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [https://info.thehockeynews.com/mail/microsites/951/1/gTeQVf?_gl=1*ustlbj*_ga*NjkyMzUxMy4xNjYzNjIwMzQ3*_ga_PK63FB1PME*MTcxMzUwOTExNi40NDguMS4xNzEzNTA5MjA5LjU5LjAuMA..].
