5 key offseason moves that do not involve Ilya Kovalchuk

The Ilya Kovalchuk(notes) saga has dominated the offseason news cycle while overshadowing the additions of key players who weren't seeking 17-year contracts. With help from former Calgary Flames general manager Craig Button, Sporting News breaks down some of nfl jersey
the league's best offseason pickups:
Nathan Horton(notes), F, Boston Bruins
The deal: The Bruins sent defenseman Dennis Wideman(notes) and first- and third-round picks to the Florida Panthers for Horton and forward Gregory Campbell(notes).
The impact: Nobody doubts Horton's talent. Playing for a contender that will surround him with talent should help him finally reach his potential. "When he's motivated, he's a really good player," former teammate David Booth(notes) says. "Maybe he was just kind of feeling stagnant in Florida."
Button says: "He's going to a team where he doesn't have to be the go-to guy. That's important for him. Not everybody is geared toward that."
Paul Martin(notes), D, Pittsburgh Penguins
The deal: Martin signed a five-year, $25 million deal on the first day of free agency.
The impact: The Penguins signed Martin to replace the offensive void created by the free-agent departure of defenseman Sergei Gonchar(notes) — and it's a great fit. "Heading to Pittsburgh, the style of play is so different ( from New Jersey's)," Martin says. "Defense is important, but with the type of players they have on their team, I can help during the rush, help create offense and not be afraid to get past the blue line."
Button says: "I'm a huge Paul Martin fan. In Martin, you have a guy who is effortless in his play. Is he strong and flashy? No, but he is efficient. He knows how to get the puck and get the puck moving. … He's the type of player that winning teams have."
Jiri Hudler(notes), F, Detroit Red Wings
The deal: Hudler returned from the KHL to fulfill his two-year contract, worth $2.875 million per season.
The impact: The Red Wings struggled last season Indianapolis Colts jersey
because they didn't have their usual depth up front. Hudler's return, along with the addition of Mike Modano(notes), brings this team closer to the roster that advanced to consecutive Stanley Cup finals.
Button says: "(Red Wings coach) Mike (Babcock) says they're going to have (Dan) Cleary, Modano and Hudler play together. If that's your third line, that means you're playing against other teams' third pairing on defense and not against their best checkers. That's where teams take advantage."
Viktor Stalberg(notes), F, Chicago Blackhawks
The deal: Chicago traded forwards Kris Versteeg(notes) and Bill Sweatt to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Stalberg, Philippe Paradis and Christopher DiDomenico(notes).
The impact: What's lost in all the player subtractions the Blackhawks were forced to make is a system that still has a lot of good young talent. GM Stan Bowman wanted to get bigger, and adding the 6- 3 Stalberg helps. "He's physically strong," Bowman says. "We're very high on him."
Button says: "Stalberg is a big winger, and Chicago already has (Patrick) Kane and (Marian) Hossa. Now Stalberg just has to fit behind them. He doesn't have to come in and carry the ball. He's big and can skate."
Keith Ballard(notes), D, Vancouver Canucks
The deal: The Canucks traded forwards Steve Bernier(notes), Michael Grabner(notes) and a first-round pick to the Panthers for Ballard and prospect Victor Oreskovich(notes).
The impact: The additions of Ballard and defenseman Dan Hamhuis(notes) should ease the pressure on goalie Roberto Luongo(notes). They also make the Canucks legit Stanley Cup contenders. "I'm fortunate to be going to a very good team," Ballard says. "The expectation is to win every night, and I'm excited to be around that."
Button says: "Keith is a real competitor. He can play a lot of Minnesota Vikings jersey
minutes, he blocks shots, he's physical and he battles. He can skate and get the puck out of his own zone quickly. You put him with the Sedin twins, who find open guys, and I think Ballard could get 50 or 60 points because of his ability to jump into the attack."