NHL Teams Start Off Season Maneuvering

NHL free agency has opened with a flurry of moves, including a major trade.

The Dallas Stars acquired forward Jason Spezza (SPET'-suh) and a prospect from Ottawa for forward Alex Chiasson (CHAY'-sahn), two prospects and a second-round pick in next year's draft. Spezza had asked for a trade and already had rejected a possible deal with Nashville.

Goaltender Ryan Miller left the St. Louis Blues for a three-year, $18 million package with Vancouver.

Forward Tomas Vanek has signed with Minnesota after spending last season with Buffalo, the New York Islanders and Montreal.

Colorado veteran Paul Stastny (STAS'-nee) got a $28 million, four-year contract from the St. Louis Blues. The Avalanche countered by getting forward Jarome Iginla (ih-GIHN'-luh) and acquiring defenseman Brad Stuart from San Jose for a second-round pick in 2016 and a sixth-rounder in 2017.

Washington signed former Penguins defensemen Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen. The Pens made up for that loss by signing veteran blueliner Christian Ehrhoff (EHR'-hahf).

Chicago has inked forward Brad Richards, whose contract was bought out by the New York Rangers last week.

The Rangers added veteran defensemen Dan Boyle, Matt Hunwick and Mike Kostka.

Florida grabbed free-agent centers Dave Bolland and Jussi Jokinen (YOO'-see YOH-kih-nehn), along with defenseman Willie Mitchell.

Buffalo reacquired forward Matt Moulson via free agency and also signed forward Brian Gionta (jee-AHN'-tah).

And Mike Cammalleri (kam-ah-LEHR'-ee) signed with New Jersey.