from Michael Traikos of the National Post,

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 that will expire quicker than a carton of milk. 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 $84 million, most teams clammed up and had commitment issues this year.

Of the crush of players who signed new contracts on Canada Day, only eight received deals of three years or more. Kevin Shattenkirk and Nick Bonino signed the only four-year contracts, while Alzner received the closest thing resembling Rick DiPietro’s 15-year, $67.5-million albatross from 2006.

It was a reflection of just how shallow this year’s pool of free agents was. But it was also a sign that general managers might finally be learning.

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