Rob Vollman, Special to ESPN.com 6y

The best- and worst-value free agent deals in the NHL this season

NHL, Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Vegas Golden Knights, Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets

Having reached the quarter mark of the 2017-18 season, it's time to review the summer's most notable free-agent signings for early indications of success.

Studying all the significant free-agent contracts signed since July 1, some have already paid dividends, while others are yet to work out. And, some of them are projected to achieve good value over the long term, while others are not.

Based on those two criteria, we can divide them into four categories:

  • Free agents who are off to strong starts and who are expected to continue to provide good value

  • Those off to promising starts, but who may regress in the long run

  • Those who are initially struggling, but who should eventually come around

  • Contracts whose risk is already becoming obvious

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