The first day of NHL free agency ended with one of the big names finding a new home.

Now we wait and see whether Jason Garrison lives up to his generous new paycheck.

Garrison joins Vancouver on a six-year contract reportedly worth $4.6 million annually.

Not bad for a 27-year-old defenseman who looked like a fringe player 12 months ago.

Garrison has one notable NHL season to his credit: 16 goals and 17 assists for Florida in 2011-12, drawing much of the credit for the Panthers’ successful season.

The last time he hit double figures in goals, he was playing Junior A hockey in 2005.

In an (as always) inflationary market, Garrison’s salary isn’t out of line with what other defensemen are making.

But he better have more where 2011-12 came from.

Canucks fans are not kind to players who fail to meet expectations, as Roberto Luongo well knows.

Our list of 2012 NHL free agent signings includes age, contract length, and total value, based on media reports.

See also:
NHL Free Agent Center: Signings, available free agents, the system explained, and more.

(Photo: Chris Chambers/Getty Images)