Analyzing a busy beginning to the free-agent season

	In landing Jason Arnott, a scoring center with size, the Predators addressed their biggest need. David E. Klutho/SI
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If we learned anything from this year's postseason, it's that anything can happen once you get there. And judging by the frantic action on the first day of free agency, a number of teams that missed the dance last season don't intend to be on the sidelines in 2006-07.

Here's a look at some of the key signings.

Patrik Elias, Jamie Langenbrunner re-sign with the Devils.
The Devils didn't do anything to make themselves better, but they took two large steps to ensure they wouldn't slump into mediocrity. Elias, 30, likely will remain in New Jersey for the rest of his career after signing a seven-year, $42 million deal that was surprising for both its length and its annual outlay. The player was vocal about expecting a deal that would put him at or near the maximum cap hit -- about $8 million -- but took a hometown discount in exchange for long-term security. Good move by both sides.

Langenbrunner can't match the wattage of Elias' star power, but his signing was a smart one by the Devils. The veteran is an important presence and brings considerable energy and savvy to the rink. And at five years, $14 million, the Devils' level of commitment matches his.

Jason Arnott signs with the Predators.
Count the Preds among the teams that recognize next season as a unique opportunity. With a number of their key players heading toward UFA status next summer -- including leading scorer Paul Kariya, top defenseman Kimmo Timonen and franchise goaltender Tomas Vokoun -- 2006-07 could be their last best chance for several years to make a run at the Cup.

Sunday's acquisition of Arnott (five years, $22.5 million) delivers the message that the Predators are serious about making the most of this season, as well as seasons to come -- something that may help convince those players to re-sign when its their turn.

Arnott addresses Nashville's most immediate need: a scoring center with size. And while it's hardly a safe bet that he'll repeat his numbers from '05-06 (32-44-76 -- career highs in assists and points), he's a far sight better than anyone Nashville has ever had at the position. Anything above 60 points and he has delivered on his end of the bargain, at least offensively.

His size is as important as his scoring in the grand scheme of things for the Preds. They're dangerously small up front, and while that works well in the regular season, it's a physical grind in the playoffs. Although Arnott's not a big hitter, his strength and experience will be a boon then.

He's also a sound defensive player, and was one of the few bright spots on Dallas' power play, which led the league in the unfortunate category of fans frustrated. He played the point for a time, and impressed with his ability to keep his shots low and on the net.

Since Nashville has taken this step, you have to wonder if the other shoe will drop shortly. Although closer to contending than they were on Saturday, the Preds are still missing a critical piece of the puzzle: a No. 1 defenseman. With all the big free agents off the board, it'll be interesting to see if they're willing to part with some of their very bright future and work something out with Edmonton for Chris Pronger.

Few teams have the cap room to pay him and the prospect base to woo the Oilers without crippling their own future -- and reason to believe Pronger will make enough of a difference to justify taking advantage of the first two. Nashville's one of them. You might want to stay tuned.

Rob Blake signs with the Kings.
With Blake back where he started his Hall of Fame-caliber career, who will Kings fans boo now? This is another move that appears to make good sense for both sides. Though not the defensive horse he once was, Blake remains a presence capable of first-unit minutes. He'll make a significant impact on the L.A. power play, which ranked 28th in 2005-06 and whose failings played a large role in the massive personnel turnovers this offseason. The Kings also limited their liability -- Blake still gets elite money ($6 million), but a two-year term is much more palatable than what the other big-name blueliners were demanding.

Ed Jovanovski signs with the Coyotes.
Nobody whispered "Phoenix" when asked about possible destinations for big Ed, so you have to give the Coyotes top marks for first-day surprises. Jovanovski (five years, $32.5 million) probably signed for a little more than expected as well, but this is a nice matchup. He's already familiar with what Wayne Gretzky expects, thanks to multiple stints with Team Canada, and the Coyotes add another significant piece to their revamped blue line less than a week after acquiring hard-rock Nick Boynton. Jovanovski's presence should be most evident on the power play, where his speed, ability to key the transition and offensive creativity will go a long way toward improving a Phoenix weakness.