When it was learned Nicklas Backstrom and Martin Hanzal were going to be a free agents, the Helsinki Jokerit suddenly had two big holes to fill at center. With a wave of his magic wand (and $15.1 million in cash) General Manager Jukka Tuominen made Joanthan Toews and Anze Kopitar appear.

Kopitar joined the team today, signing for one year and $6.6 million. He might only be the second line center on the team, but he is accustomed to that role, having played behind Logan Couture in Athens for the last four seasons. Before that, he was a top line center for Moscow and Athens for six seasons, winning the Cup in Season 3 along the way.

Tuominen did extremely well in free agency, resigning Brendan Gallagher and raking in free agents like: Toews, Kopitar, Zach Bogosian, Charlie Coyle and minor leaguer Trevor Moore.

The league is moving ahead to the next step today, and prices for free agents will likely be reduced.