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Daniel Alfredsson bolted from the Ottawa Senators to sign with the Detroit Red Wings, sensing that was the best move he could make in his drive to win a championship before his career ends.

"It's all about trying to get the Stanley Cup," he said.

It is for Jarome Iginla, too.

Iginla signed a one-year deal with the Eastern Conference champion Boston Bruins on Friday night.

The longtime Calgary Flames and short-time Pittsburgh Penguins forward will make $1.8 million guaranteed and can make up to $6 million with Boston.

The Senators, refusing to settle after losing Alfredsson, responded with a bold move to acquire Bobby Ryan from the Anaheim Ducks.

NHL teams made a big splash on the first day of free agency with a slew of signings and some trades.

Less than a year after the league's latest lockout, many teams spent big bucks on free agents despite knowing they will have to deal with a smaller salary cap next season.

The Columbus Blue Jackets were among the big spenders, signing Nathan Horton to a $37.1 million, seven-year contract.