MEET THE NEW GUY

EASTERN CONFERENCE

The fact PAUL POSTMA was their highest-profile addition gives you an indication of how idle the Bruins were in the early days of free agency. Signed to a low-risk one-year deal worth $725,000, Postma is a depth defender and likely slots into the No. 7 spot on the blueline vacated by Joe Morrow, who left for Montreal.

Jason Pominville has the name recognition in Buffalo, but the key piece in the Sabres’ predraft trade with Minnesota is defenseman MARCO SCANDELLA. He was buried in the Wild’s depth chart but will play a far more prominent role with the rebuilding Sabres. He could partner with Rasmus Ristolainen on Buffalo’s top pair.

The new guy in Carolina is an old guy – and that’s just fine with the Hurricanes. JUSTIN WILLIAMS returns to the site of his first Stanley Cup (he added two more in L.A.) and brings veteran leadership and scoring punch. The first mission for ‘Mr. Game 7’ will be getting the Canes back to the playoffs for the first time since ’09.

While Artemi Panarin is the most notable acquisition, Columbus will have some competition on the blueline thanks to the ascent of rookie GABRIEL CARLSSON. The smart kid with the big reach played two games at the end of 2016-17, plus all five playoff contests. He’ll push Markus Nutivaara for ice time.

Acquiring TREVOR DALEY as a free agent not only gives the Wings a puck-moving blueliner with good mobility and a winning pedigree, it also solidifies their top four on defense. Daley’s expected to start the season with Danny DeKeyser, as Detroit wants to keep the Niklas KronwallMike Green pairing intact.

It’s tough to portray a 28-yearold who has already played there as a “new guy,” but EVGENY DADONOV returns to the Panthers from Russia as a legitimate offensive threat. The fifth-highest scorer in the KHL this past season, he’ll be asked to help offset the losses of Jonathan Marchessault, Reilly Smith and Jaromir Jagr.

Days after getting Alexei Emelin’s $4.1 million off the books, Habs GM Marc Bergevin signed a younger, better version of Emelin for five years and slightly more money. KARL ALZNER is a strictly defensive defenseman with little offensive upside. He won’t help the Canadiens’ transition game, which is a growing concern.

Washington’s cap pain was Jersey’s gain, as the Devils nabbed MARCUS JOHANSSON for a song. The two-way forward excelled in the playoffs for the Capitals and hit another level this past season, establishing highs in all major offensive categories. He’ll help stabilize a forward corps that also adds Nico Hischier and Brian Boyle.