Dayton adds three new players in three separate moves to address roster shortages...

In addition to the two large deals where Alexsander Barkov and Sean Monahan were traded for five high upside prospects, three draft picks and a depth defenseman, Dayton had three lower-profile transactions that have been reported to the CCHL League Office...

1) Dayton signs C/LW John Mitchell. Most recently with the Avalanche, Mitchell, 32, brings a wealth of experience to the Musicmen. Mitchell will be center the third line and will start off with Sebastien Aho and Matt Nieto as his linemates. Mitchell will also center the team's second penalty kill unit. he has signed a one year, $525,000 contract with the Musicmen.

Analysis: A short-term and cheap signing. This makes sense in that two centers just left, so to add one without taking on a long or pricey contract, is a prudent move. There's almost a zero percent chance Mitchell will be the Musicmen's UFA resign.

2) Dayton trades for Mike Barberio sends Georgetown REK's 5th in the 2018 CCHL Entry draft. Barberio brings a modest skill set to the team, but he does seem to be a fairly durable addition. The plan is for him to play with Matt Tennyson on the team's third line and fill in where needed on special teams. He has one year remaining at the cost of $700K.  An RFA, if he has a good showing in the NHL this season for the Avs, the 27-year-old dman may find himself invited back for another year in 2018-19.

Analysis: Not much upside to Barberio's game, but right now Dayton needs guys who can play defense. He's likely a bridge player for a year or two until some of the younger kids start arriving in town. Likelihood of being re-signed by Dayton? 80%

3) Dayton acquires goaltender Mike Smith from Calgary for $2M dollars. Smith won't be able to report to the team until after Calgary has played its 41st regular season game. A big guy at 6'4, Smith is currently the starting goaltender for the Flames in the NHL. The veteran is off to a nice start in Calgary and will serve as the Musicmen's top goalie should Brian Elliott be traded.

Analysis: Smart move to add a veteran netminder who can be resigned for $3.85M for up to four years. If GM Corfield feels he's earned it. If Smith flops in CGY, Dayton will let him walk. He'll be good to have around if Elliott does get dealt. If Elliott doesn't get dealt, then Dayton can assess both of the pending UFA goalies and decide if they want to resign either of them or trade them away, provided their NHL performance adds value.