Oilers’ Athanasiou, Flames’ Jankowski among players without qualifying offers

The NHL’s free agency market grew a bit more crowded Wednesday as the deadline passed for teams to submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents.

Several notable names — including Flames centre Mark Jankowski, Oilers left-winger Andreas Athanasiou and Senators left-winger Anthony Duclair — did not receive offers, meaning they will be available when free agency opens on Friday.

The decisions come during an unusual off-season for NHL general managers where an uncertain future and a flat salary cap limit the ability to make new deals.

Duclair spent last season tallying 40 points (23 goals, 17 assists) for Ottawa and earned a trip to the 2020 all-star game.

The 25-year-old from Point-Claire, Que., has bounced around the league since being picked by the New York Rangers in the third round of the 2013 NHL draft.

Sens general manager Pierre Dorion said Wednesday that he didn’t want to get into the specifics of the negotiations with Duclair.

“All I will say on this is: Anthony chose to represent himself, and we told him from Day 1 that it’s not always easy to represent himself. We offered him a substantial raise over what he made last year, and it’s unfortunate we couldn’t come to a contract agreement,” Dorion said.

“We don’t close the door on anything, but he will explore free agency.”

Defenceman Andreas Englund and centre Jayce Hawryluk did not receive qualifying offers from Ottawa either.

Jankowski was drafted 21st overall by the Flames in 2012 and put up 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists) in 79 games for Calgary in 2018-19. The native of Hamilton struggled last season, however, tallying seven points (five goals, two assists) in 56 games.