from Chris Johnston of Sportsnet,

Daniel Alfredsson and Jarome Iginla are not as popular as they once were in their long-time NHL homes, but each made a nice gesture when signing with a new employer.

For all of the comparisons that have been made between the once-iconic captains, one that slipped through the cracks last week was the unique team-friendly deals they each agreed to on free agent Friday.

The timing for them to sign one couldn’t have been any better.

With the salary cap dropping to $64.3 million next season and both jumping to teams that are actively chasing the Stanley Cup, Alfredsson and Iginla took advantage of a clause in the collective bargaining agreement to arm their new general managers with more flexibility by signing bonus-laden deals.

While that option has been available to every 35-and-over player signing a one-year contract since 2005, seldom has it been used in this manner.

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