Old Faces in New Places for 2018 NHL Season

Some of the NHL's biggest names were on the move during the summer. Whether through free agency or trade, players like Erik Karlsson, John Tavares and Max Pacioretty will be wearing new colors in new cities. Here's where they ended up and how they got there.

Erik Karlsson - San Jose Sharks

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After months of rumors, Erik Karlsson was dealt from Ottawa to San Jose just before training camp opened on September 13. A two-time Norries Trophy winner, he'll make a standout Sharks' defense even more formidable in joining Brent Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic.

John Tavares - Toronto Maple Leafs

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One of the biggest free agent signings in NHL history, Tavares left the Islanders to ink a seven-year, $77 million deal in Toronto. In joining the Leafs, the former No. 1 pick—his .407 goals per game ranks sixth among active players—makes an up-and-coming team into an immediate Stanley Cup contender.

Ilya Kovalchuk - Los Angeles Kings

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After a six-year stint sniping in the KHL, Ilya Kovalchuk returned to North America, signing a three-year deal with the Kings. He should rack up plenty more points on L.A.'s power play and add to his 417 goals in 816 NHL games.

Dougie Hamilton - Carolina Hurricanes

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The big defenseman made his return to the Eastern Conference following a Draft weekend trade from Calgary. He joins a revamped Hurricanes defense after tying for the league lead among blueliners with 17 goals last season.

Max Pacioretty - Vegas Golden Knights

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The Canadiens traded their captain to Vegas on September 10, sending one of the NHL's most consistent goal scorers to the Golden Knights where he's expected to ride shotgun with the team's prized free agent signing, center Paul Stastny. Pacioretty quickly signed a four-year contract extension.

James Neal - Calgary Flames

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Neal signed a five-year deal worth $5.75 million per season with the Flames, coming off his 10th straight season with at least 20 goals, potting 25 for the Golden Knights in 2017-18. He should slot in on the wing on one of Calgary's top-two lines.

Alex Galchenyuk - Arizona Coyotes

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The Canadiens sent the 24-year-old former No. 3 pick (2012) to the Coyotes for Max Domi in a one-for-one deal. Galchenyuk provides Arizona with center depth on a young roster many see as a dark horse in the West.

James van Riemsdyk - Philadelphia Flyers

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The big-bodied forward returned to the team that drafted him with the second pick in 2007. In his second stint with the Flyers—a five-year, $35 million contract—JVR brings consistent scoring and a net-front presence on the power play.

Paul Stastny - Vegas Golden Knights

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One of the most coveted centers on the market this summer, Paul Stastny didn't wait long to make his decision. He became the Golden Knights' No. 2 center after signing a three-year, $19.5 million deal on July 1.

Mike Hoffman - Florida Panthers

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A tumultuous exit from Ottawa saw the four-time 20-goal scorer traded to San Jose on June 19 and flipped to the Panthers just hours later.

Jeff Skinner - Buffalo Sabres

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Skinner waived his no-trade clause for a move from Carolina to Buffalo, giving the Sabres a three-time 30-goal scorer. The 26-year-old should get plenty of time alongside Jack Eichel, leading the offensive charge.