Cap crunch means lower spending

Aside from defensemen Kevin Shattenkirk and Karl Alzner attracting $20 million-plus contracts, NHL free agency isn't what it used to be.

Though plenty of players switched teams once the signing period opened on Saturday, missing were the high-priced, long-term contracts that were once the norm.

Shattenkirk, considered the top free agent available, signed a four-year, $26.6 million contract with the New York Rangers. And after nine seasons in Washington, Alzner signed a five-year, $23.1 million deal with Montreal.