Big week for NHL free-agent shopping
This is what you call earthquake weather around the NHL.
While there was some seismic activity at the weekend draft as Philadelphia moved out Jakub Voracek and Shayne Gostisbehere amid general manager Chuck Fletcher's shake-up, full free-agent shopping begins Wednesday at noon, while a resolution of the Jack Eichel stand-off in Buffalo could soon be at hand. Throw in some rumoured movement of goaltenders for some after shocks.
Teams are already trying to determine the course of action with their own pending UFAS so they can either sign them or move on to be better prepared for Wednesday. More than a few GMS went into serious deal mode as of Saturday night once their last draft picks were made and everyone had a better picture of what the expansion Seattle Kraken roster looked like. By Monday night, all restricted free agents knew if they were getting qualifying offers or not, setting a few up to join the UFA bonanza.
Jack Eichel's agents have let it be known he's skating again, some added enticement for clubs concerned about his medical condition. In addition to his frustration with the ongoing cycle of losing in Buffalo, there is disagreement with the Sabres about treating the herniated disc in his neck. Eichel is said to want a disc replacement, an uncommon operation for an NHLER that the Sabres' medical staff deems too risky. It's a stance Eichel's reps say underline their belief it's best he move on.
But five years with a Us$10-million cap hit is a lot for any new team to take on, never mind the health issue
and putting a trade package together. At 100 per cent Eichel, on the other hand, is a game-changer for any club.
In Denver, GM Joe Sakic is trying to calm fears that he'll lose both captain Gabriel Landeskog and No. 1 goalie Philipp Grubauer, telling reporters that Wednesday does not equate to doomsday on their careers in Colorado. But Landeskog's stated disappointment at the pace of talks has understandably made fans antsy.
In Carolina, the Hurricanes are trying to keep second-team all-star defenceman Dougie Hamilton from walking.
“We're running across some deadlines here (and) deadlines are when things usually happen,” GM Don Waddell said post-draft. “I know Dougie's very familiar with where we are. We still know what his thoughts are, and it's up to his agent, (J.P. Barry) and I to figure it out, It's got to fit for him and for us. But I feel pretty good that we'll be able to get this done.”
NET LOSSES?
The Canes have reached the rather dicey stage of having no NHL veteran goalies under contract as of Wednesday. Alex Nedeljkovic was traded to Detroit in a deal that saw the rights to Jonathan Bernier come back. But Bernier, James Reimer and Petr Mrazek will be on the open market, at least until they take a look around at other options.
Darcy Kuemper has a year to go with the Arizona Coyotes at $4.5 million, but the 31-year-old is due more in real salary dollars and as part of a general changing of the guard in the desert, could be moved with Arizona paying some of his salary.
Grubauer might have priced himself out of town in Denver, along with Devan Dubnyk, leaving the Avs in the same boat as Carolina. A growing list of budget stoppers around the NHL also includes Jaroslav Halak and Linus Ullmark.
FREEDOM TO ROAM
Among those without a home after Monday's RFA deadline the Wings top pick in 2015, Evgeny Svechnikov, who has played just 41 games to date. GM Steve Yzrman could circle back on a two-way deal if he doesn't sign elsewhere.
Boston did not qualify wingers Nick Ritchie and Ondrej Kase, same with Chicago and David Kampf, a regular centre with the Blackhawks the past few years and veteran Swiss teammate Pius Suter, who impressed in his first NHL season.