GMs get smarter, stingier with free-agent signings

One might be the loneliest number, but it was also the most popular on the first day of NHL free agency.

From Chris Kunitz and Patrick Sharp to Scott Hartnell and Mike Cammalleri, about 25 players — not including RFAs and minor leaguers — received new deals. Another 15 or so lucky ones were able to squeeze a second year out of their future bosses.

But with the exception of the Montreal Canadiens, who gave five years and US$23.125 million to Karl Alzner and a day later locked up Carey Price for eight years and US$84 million, most general managers

Instead of giving Steve Mason a four-year contract worth US$3 million per season, the Winnipeg Jets went two years and US$8.2 million. It was obviously a more costly cap hit, but if Mason doesn’t work out, he and his US$4.1-million salary are gone in a couple of years.

By then, the hope is, the Jets’ other goalie, 24-year-old Connor Hellebuyck, will assume the No. 1 job. At the very least, it gives the team flexibility — something the Tampa Bay Lightning were also mindful of when signing veteran Dan Girardi to a two-year stopgap contract while defence prospect Mikhail Sergachev learns the ropes.

Either way, a fear of commitment means the team won’t be in salary cap hell at this time next year.

That has been a general theme so far in this year’s free agency period. Teams are not just thinking about this season, but are looking ahead to what next summer and the one after that will bring. They are contemplating which young players on entry-level contracts will need bigger deals. They might