While the opening days of free agency were more than a little deflating for Islanders and Devils fans – especially given the splash made by the rival Rangers – both organizations appear to be bouncing back nicely after a disappointing start out of the gate.

The Islanders signed left wing Ruslan Fedotenko to a one-year, $2.9 million deal, moving quickly to replenish a forward corp that was decimated by the departures of Jason Blake and Ryan Smyth. A career third-liner, the Islanders are admittedly reaching a bit here, as GM Garth Snow projected Fedotenko as a “top-six forward” on the Isles.

The GM may have another move in store for the franchise however, as reports have leaked that the team is looking to import defenseman Ed Jovanovski from Phoenix. Jovanovski would have to waive his no-trade clause for any deal to get done.

Finally, Greg Logan of Newsday speculates that the team is pursuing free agent center Mike Comrie, who would fill a void at the center position and add credibility to the Isles “top-six.”

Meanwhile, in New Jersey, the Devils have moved quickly to replace Scott Gomez and Brian Rafalski with live bodies. First signing free agent center Dainius Zubrus to a six-year deal worth $20.4 million, and later agreeing to terms with former Ranger Karel Rachunek. The Rangers did not extend a qualifying offer to the 27-year-old defenseman, who showed flashes of offensive upside but struggled on the defensive side of the puck. Rachunek was under-utilized on the power play last season, but is sure to see extended time on the Devils’ point in the absence of Rafalski.