But there is no question that Phillips had already pulled off perhaps the most important free-agent signing in the team's 37-year history.

There will likely be free-agent signings at the winter meetings, as well.

As a result, free-agent signings are at their lowest point in years.

The number of free-agent signings, though, has not been the only significant development.

A simple free-agent signing can still be felt, both here and in New England.

"Pena was the best free-agent signing of the entire year," the general manager said.

It never occurred to them that he could be awarded as compensation for a free-agent signing.

Chicago executed its third significant free-agent signing of the off season.

He then spent three seasons with the Hawks via free-agent signing in 1996.

At the time, White was one of the biggest free-agent signings ever, $17 million over four years.