Get ready for NHL’s free-agent frenzy
The 2017-18 NHL season ended earlier this month with the Washington Capitals winning the Stanley Cup. While the action on the ice is over, the business of hockey continues.
Last Friday, the league announced the salary cap would increase by $4.5 million to $79.5 million for 2018-19. That’s good news for cap-strapped teams such as the Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins, providing much-needed room to re-sign key players or to pursue roster upgrades.
Other clubs, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights, now have more room to perhaps make a big splash via trades or free agency.
With the 2018 NHL Draft completed this past weekend, the focus shifts toward the free-agent market, which opens on July 1.
Topping this year’s list of notable free agents is New York Islanders captain John Tavares, who could become the biggest star to hit the open market in years. A first-line centre in his playing prime, the 27-year-old is coming off a 37-goal, 84-point performance. He could command over $11 million per season.
Though the Islanders remain in the mix, Tavares is meeting with five clubs at his agent’s office in Los Angeles during this week’s free-agent interview period. The Maple Leafs and Golden Knights could be among the suitors.
Other noteworthy free agents include Leafs left-wing James van Riemsdyk, Golden Knights rightwing James Neal and Winnipeg Jets centre Paul Stastny.
Sharks centre Joe Thornton and Boston Bruins winger Rick Nash could also be available, though both are now well past their prime.
Tavares’ status could also effect the NHL trade market. If he decides to re-sign with the Islanders before Canada Day, teams that had interest in him could pursue other options.
There’s already been some significant recent trade activity.
The Montreal Canadiens shipped forward Alex Galchenyuk to the Arizona Coyotes for leftwing Max Domi. Last Tuesday, the Ottawa Senators dealt winger Mike Hoffman to the San Jose Sharks, who flipped him to the Florida Panthers for draft picks.
Over the weekend, the Calgary Flames dealt shipped defenceman Dougie Hamilton, right-wing Micheal Ferland and prospect Adam Fox to the Carolina Hurricanes for blue-liner Noah Hanifin and centre Elias Lindholm.
Several stars could be available for the right price. The biggest is Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson, who’s a year away from becoming a free agent. With the Senators coming off a horrible season and in the midst of a rebuild, he could pass on re-signing, forcing management to put him on the trade block.
Others who could be on the move include Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty, Buffalo Sabres centre Ryan O’Reilly, Edmonton Oilers winger Milan Lucic, Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner and Columbus Blue Jackets left-wing Artemi Panarin. All have featured prominently in recent trade rumours.
Have a great summer, hockey fans. See you when the curtain rises on a new NHL season in October. BUFFALO, N.Y. - Victor Antipin won’t be back in Buffalo after general manager Jason Botterill says the Sabres won’t issue the Russian-born defenceman a qualifying offer. The decision means Antipin will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 25-year-old Antipin was inconsistent in his lone season with Buffalo after opening his pro career playing in the Kontinental Hockey League.
He had 10 assists in 47 games last season. Antipin also became the odd-man out on a Sabres team restocking the blue line. Rasmus Dahlin is expected to make the immediate jump to the NHL after being selected with the No. 1 pick in the draft on Friday. Brendan Guhle is expected to compete for an NHL job after spending most of last season developing in the minors.
The Sabres also won’t extend an offer to forward Scott Wilson, though Botterill intends on attempting to re-sign him once free agency opens July 1.