Lazar has not played since March 31st due to a lower-body injury but will likely serve as a fourth-line option in Boston once he's healthy. Lazar doesn't provide much offensive but was very solid in Buffalo's bottom-6 this year.
Hall bet on himself with a one-year deal in Buffalo and it could not have gone worse. Hall registered just two goals with 17 assists (19 points) in 37 games. That doesn't paint the entire picture though, Hall has shot just 2.3 percent with a career-low 6.7 on-ice SH%, so there's certainly reason to expect him to post bigger numbers in Boston. Hall will almost certainly play on the second line with David Krejci.
Coburn has only appeared in 16 games this season, picking up two assists, 15 shots, 14 blocks and 25 hits with the Senators. Coburn will likely serve as the seventh or eighth defenseman for the Islanders and is more or less insurance for the postseason.
Rittich is in the final year of a two-year deal that carries a $2.75M AAV cap-hit. The Flames are retaining 50% of Rittich's cap-hit in exchange for a third in 2022. After a few solid seasons in 2019 and 2020, Rittich has struggled a bit in 2021, going 4-7-1 with a 2.90 GAA and .904 SV% in 15 games.
Reilly is a solid bottom-4 defenseman that can provide some offensive punch, particularly on the power-play. With Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk dealing with injuries, the Bruins were looking for some veteran insurance. The 27-year-old blueliner is still looking for his first goal of the season but has collected 19 assists in 40 games.
Noesen rarely suited up for the Sharks in 2021, appearing in just five games at the NHL-level and 12 with their AHL affiliate. Noesen will likely head to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
Foligno, who was the Blue Jackets' captain, is known for being a great leader who plays a very reliable two-way game. At age-33, Foligno doesn't offer much in the way of offence anymore but will stabilize the Maple Leafs' middle-6 and can move up the lineup in a pinch. He has seven goals and nine assists (16 points) in 42 games this season. The Blue Jackets are retaining 50 percent of his contract and the Sharks are retaining 25 percent in exchange for a 2021 fourth-round pick.
Verbeek was an undrafted free agent, who has been with the Canadiens organization since 2019. He has played in seven AHL games this season, scoring one goal with two assists. He will likely report to the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL).
Merrill has quietly been one of the most effective bottom-4 defensemen in the NHL in recent years and is a very nice pickup for the Canadiens. Merrill plays a very reliable defensive game that will make the Habs' third pairing a little more reliable. Victor Mete was placed on waivers on Saturday, clearing the way for Merrill.
