After the Zacha deal there were 4 trades that materialized today and here is my opinion on all of them
Kyle Terada USA Today Sports
San Jose Carolina
Steven Lorentz Brent Burns (33% retained)
Eetu Makiniemi Lane Pederson
2022 CON 3RD (PHI or CAR)
Analysis: the Sharks went into free agency with a plan and successfully pulled it off as they took Bren Burns and moved him with a 33% salary retention and Lane Pederson to the Carolina Hurricanes for Steven Lorentz, Eetu Makiniemi and a conditional 2023 3RD pick. Now for the Hurricanes this is a great deal as they can now replace Tony DeAngelo with Brent Burns and thanks to the Sharks retaining cap space getting him at just under $6 Million is amazing as this cap hit is easier to swallow and with Burns still having a high level of production I think Carolina got a great player in this deal. The Canes and Sharks also swapped bottom six forwards in Lorentz and Pederson and I think that Pederson will get a chance to play on the 4th line in Carolina while I think Lorentz has more upside and should no doubt have a bottom six role on the Sharks maybe even on the 3rd line. As for the Sharks while they weren’t able to get rid of the entire contract it is still a really good move to get $5.8 Million off the cap for the next few seasons and on top of Lorentz who will be a good bottom 6 forward for San Jose they also got Makiniemi, who I think could eventually be a backup at the NHL level but that still a few years away but getting a goalie prospect is good for San Jose and them also get to the better of the Canes and Flyers 3RD pick next year gives them more draft capital and now they get a couple good players and a pick in return for the expensive Burns contract and I think this deal is great at least for the time being for each team.
Stephen R. Sylvanie USA Today Sports
Carolina Vegas
Max Pacioretty Future considerations
Dylan Coghlan
Analysis: in another deal I am taken aback by the Golden Knights, they have decided to clear cap space by moving one of their best players in Max Pacioretty added with Dylan Coghlan were moved to the Carolina Hurricanes for astonishingly only future Considerations. Now from Vegas perspective I am absolutely shocked that they first off traded Pacioretty as I though Martinez and Brossoit were the more likely ways of clearing cap space but Pacioretty was entering the final year of his deal so I kind of get it, but the 2nd thing is the fact that they didn’t get anything in return for him and I know that they needed to clear cap space but at least get a pick or prospect instead of giving up one of your best players for nothing. As for Carolina they get two pieces for basically nothing as Pacioretty although he is entering the final year of his deal should fit nicely in the Canes top 6 either on a line with Aho or Teravainen but he should help Carolina get the goals that they needed, and on top of that they get Coghlan who is in need of a new contract but should be able to play a 3rd pair role next year as he is a good defensemen who I think still has room to grow. So I am going to say the Canes one this deal hands down as they get a decent defensemen and top 6 scorer for nothing and I know Vegas needed cap space but I wasn’t expecting it to be like this.
Extensions could be signed for next year as of today and 4 players from two teams cashed in.
Tampa Bay
Mikhail Sergachev: 8 year contract extension that will carry a AAV of $8.5 Million.
Anthony Cirelli: 8 year contract extension that will carry a AAV of $6.25 Million.
Erik Cernak: 8 year contract extension that will carry a AAV of $5.2 Million.
These are great signings by the Bolts to keep more of there young core in place, as Sergachev I think fully deserved this deal as he is one of the best young defensemen in the league, and while I think that the Max term at those cap hits for both Cernak and Cirelli are definitely a little rich in my opinion I do think these two are important pieces of this francisé and while I would’ve gone 6 years with Cirelli and probably 4 years with Cernak, I still think the Lightning did good keeping some more of their core together.
St.Louis
Robert Thomas: 8 year contract extension that will carry a AAV of $8.13 Million.
Thomas definitely had a outstanding year last season as he took major strides and is definitely a 2nd line Center for this Blues team and while I don’t know if going Max term at over $8 Million was a smart idea by the Blues as I would’ve gone 5-6 year at around $6.5 Million dollar AAV but for a young player who plays well every night it was a good thing the Blues were able to lock him up.
We have a few signings as free agency has now gotten underway
Calgary
Nikita Zadorov 2 year, 1 way, $3.75 Million dollar AAV
After looking at the market, Nikita Zadorov has decided to remain a part of the Flames organization and I think he will remain a integral part of the Flames 3rd pair for years to come.
Anaheim
Ryan Strome 5 year, 1 way, $5 Million dollar AAV.
Strome is going to be a great addition in Anaheim and with their young Center depth I am not sure that he will play at the Center position but maybe playing on the wing in the top six is the best spot for Strome and I think he can be a good leader for this young Ducks team.
Vegas
Jonas Rondbjerg 3 year, 2 way, $.767 Thousand dollar AAV.
Rondbjerg is a depth forward who looks primed for a bigger role in Vegas as I think he can probably challenge for a fourth line role next year but if he misses then he will be a top AHL forward and probably a likely call up player.
Pittsburgh
Drake Caggiula 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
Caggiula is a depth forward who I think will challenge for a 4th line role in Pittsburgh and most likely be a depth piece for the Penguins next year.
Washington
Marcus Johansson 1 year, 1 way, $1.1 Million dollar AAV.
After being acquired by the Capitals at the trade deadline Johansson will remain a Capital for the next year as he is a productive bottom six forward and will probably get a good opportunity on either the 3rd or most likely the 4th line in Washington.
Columbus
Johnny Gaudreau 7 years, 1 way, $9.75 Million dollar AAV.
After much speculation on where he would go it did end up being a stealth team that gets Gaudreau as the Blue Jackets were able to convince the star winger to join there team as Gaudreau moves closer to home and he left serious money on the table from what I am hearing in Calgary and Jersey to go with Columbus and after he didn’t want to go to Calgary it sounded like Jersey and the Isles were the front runners but Columbus was able to get him and I see him fitting on the top line in Columbus with maybe Laine after the Jackets get him signed.
Tampa Bay
Haydn Fleury 2 year, 1 way, $.763 Thousand dollar AAV.
Fleury after not being qualified by the Kraken now joins the defending east champs as he is able to get a deal with Tampa Bay and I think that he could help fill the role that was left by the departure of Jan Rutta in free agency and I think that he should get a solid 3rd pair opportunity in Tampa.
Vancouver
Phillip Di Giuseppe 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
Colin Delia 1 year, 1 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
The Canucks added some more depth as they brought back Di Giuseppe on a 1 year deal as I expect him to continue to play in the AHL and be a call up option if need be, while they also get Delia who was given a 1 way deal by the Canucks and I would suspect that the Canucks let Delia and Martin fight for the backup role on the team for next year and the loser will be 3rd string in the minors.
Buffalo
Jeremy Daives 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
Chase Priskie 1 year, 2 way, $.800 Thousand dollar AAV.
The Sabres continue to add depth to their blueline as they get on right handed defensemen in Priskie and a left handed one in Daives, now I think Daives probably goes to the minors and is a call up option for Buffalo while I could see the same scenario for Priskie but it wouldn’t at all surprise me if Priskie wound up making the NHL roster as a 3rd pair defensemen as he is young and would be a good addition to the Sabres backend.
Montreal
Anthony Richard 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
Mitchell Stephens 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
The Canadiens continue to add as they get two more depth forwards for next year as Stephens in my opinion will definitely get a look to be on the fourth line or at least be a spare forward on the NHL roster and if he can’t make it then will be a top candidate to be called up, and for Richard he should play in the AHL next year and I think that he to could be a call up option for the Canadiens.
Arizona
Bokondji Imama 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
Jon Gillies 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
Joshua Brown 2 year, 1 way, $1.28 Million dollar AAV.
These three players will all probably get looks to be in the Coyotes lineup as Gillies is probably now the front runner to get the backup position in Arizona as it seems that a tandem of Vejmelka and Gillies might be in order, Imama will definitely challenge for a bottom six role but I think he will start in the AHL and be a call up option when there are injuries for Arizona, and then Brown signed a two year deal as this deal along with the Stecher deal helps the Coyotes stabilize the right side of their defence and it would not surprise me if Brown got a top 4 role in Arizona.
Vegas
Michael Hutchinson 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
Brett Howden 1 year, 1 way, $1.5 Million dollar AAV.
Reilly Smith 3 year, 1 way, $5 Million dollar AAV.
Sheldon Rempal 2 year, 2 way, $.763 Thousand dollar AAV.
The Golden Knights have four players here signed as Rempal is a AHL player who can be a call up option if there is any injuries, Hutchinson is a good 3rd or 4th string goalie for next year but if Lehner and Brossoit are both out due to injury to began next year I think it is very possible that he could get some starts early in the season, Howden was able to sit as he can continue to be the 4th line Center of the Golden Knights for at least next year, and Smith is able to stay with Vegas as he was one of the original Knights picks and he will be able to continue to play with Marchessault and Karlsson on the 2nd line for the Golden Knights next year.
New Jersey
Brian Pinho 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
Jack Dugan 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
Tyler Wotherspoon 2 year, 2 way, $.763 Thousand dollar AAV.
For the Devils these are only 3 depth pieces that they signed as Dugan and Pinho are young forwards who I think could play maybe on the fourth line as early as next year but the more likely scenario is that they are call up options from the AHL, and then Wotherspoon is also a AHL defensemen and I think he will just add depth to the Devils blueline.
Colorado
Andreas Englund 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
Englund is nothing more then Just some more depth for the Avalanche and I think he just bolstered the Avalanche depth on their blueline at the AHL level.
San Jose
Nico Sturm 3 year, 1 way, $2 Million dollar AAV.
Sturm is able to get a great deal in my opinion from the San Jose Sharks as he gets a multi year deal at $2 Million something I am a bit surprised at as I would’ve signed him for only $1.5 Million but he is a good 4th line Center and I think he can excel in San Jose
Carolina
Ondrej Kase 1 year, 1 way $1.5 Million dollar AAV.
Kase wasn’t given a qualifying offer by the Maple Leafs so the Hurricanes bring him in on a 1 year deal and after last year he showed that if he can stay healthy he can be a good middle six forward and I would think they he probably plays on the 3rd line maybe in the role left by Niederriter.
Seattle
Justin Schultz 2 years, 1 way, $3 Million dollar AAV.
Martin Jones 1 year, 1 way, $ 2 Million dollar AAV
For the Kraken these two signings are pretty good as I don’t think Jones is worth $2 Million but with the Driedger injury he can be a capable replacement until he is healthy, and Schultz will provide some level of offence from their defence as I don’t think it will make the blueline awfully better and I would’ve signed Schultz to $2 Million per year but he is a okay 2nd or 3rd pair defensemen and I think he will be able to thrive in Seattle.
Winnipeg
Kevin Stenlund 1 year, 1 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
I think Stenlund is probably going to get a chance to play on the fourth line for Winnipeg this year but that doesn’t pan out then I expect him to be in the AHL as a call up option.
Dallas
Colin Miller 2 year, 1 way $1.85 Million dollar AAV.
Miller will be ably to fill the hole on the right side of the defence left by John Klingberg as I think this is a good deal for the Stars and although he is t Burns or Petry I think Miller can still be a productive top 4 defensemen.
Pittsburgh
Josh Archibald 1 year, 1 way $.900 Thousand dollar AAV.
Archibald is a good bottom six role player and as he finally gets out of Canada with their restrictions he goes to a Pittsburgh team who’s lost some depth recently so I think he can play on the 4th line for Pittsburgh next year.
Florida
Alex Lyon 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
Lyon will be a 3rd string goalie behind Bobrovsky and Knight next year as he does have NHL experience and could be called up if there is a injury and played really well in the AHL playoffs last year so I think as a 3rd string goalie he should be okay.
Philadelphia have signed 5 players
Goaltender Troy Grosenick 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
Defensemen Louis Belpedio 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand dollar AAV.
Defensemen Kevin Connauton 2 year, 2 way, $.763 Thousand dollar AAV.
Forward Cooper Marody 2 year, 2 way, $.763 Thousand dollar AAV.
Forward Adam Brooks 2 year, 2 way, $.763 Thousand dollar AAV.
The Flyers sign a couple of depth piece for the year as they get Grosenick who in my opinion is probably a 3rd string goalie next year as I don’t think he has NHL abilities right now, then I also think that Marody and Belpedio are AHL forwards next year who could be call up candidates, but I think that Connauton will once again get a chance to be a 3rd pair/ depth defensemen in Philadelphia’s D-Corp, while Brooks should be able to to carve out a 4th line role in Philadelphia probably as the 4th line Center and I think he might be able to stick with one team this year in Philadelphia.
The Red Wings have brought in two more depth forwards as they bring in Austin Czarnik on a 2 year 2 way deal that has a AAV of $.763 Thousand dollars, and they also get Matt Luff who signs a 1 year 2 way deal that has a $.750 Thousand dollar AAV. Luff and Czarnik are both depth forwards who have NHL experience and it wouldn’t surprise me one but if the Red Wings used them on the 4th line next year but I could also see them play in the AHL and be call up option for Detroit, but wherever they play the Red Wings have added to their forward depth nicely.
Chicago has signed two depth forwards as they signed Luke Philp and Brett Seney both to 1 year 2 way deals that will carry a AAV of $.750 thousand dollars. Now both of these forwards I think are going to get a chance to be bottom 6 forwards for the Blackhawks next year as they normally in my eyes would be AHL forwards but with the lack of firepower up front I think these two especially Seney would get a chance to play NHL minutes in Chicago.
The Flyers have signed two players bringing in physical Nicolas Deslauriers on a 4 year contract that will have a $1.75 AAV and they also bring back Justin Braun on a 1 year contract that will also have a AAV of $1.75. The Flyers are trying to be hard to play against and the addition of Deslauriers will help them with that as they beef up in their forward group and I have no doubt that Deslauriers will be a 4th line forward for Philadelphia next year, while Braun will be able to slot back into the Flyers top 4 maybe even back with Provorov if Ellis is indeed injured and on a short term deal it is a really good sign for the Flyers bringing back a familiar face.
Goaltender Calvin Pickard and the Edmonton Oilers have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $.763 Thousand dollar AAV. Pickard will be the 3rd string goalie next year as that is what he was in Detroit and he had a .918 SV% in 43 AHL games and got into 3 NHL games last year but with Campbell and Skinner the goalies of for next year it makes sense that Skinner would be 3rd on that list.
Left Defensemen Anthony Bitetto and the Florida Panthers have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.750 Thousand dollar AAV. The Panthers add to their depth at the defensive position as Bitetto was a AHL defensemen last year putting up 17 points in 53 games in the AHL last year and I think that he will be a AHL player again next year and could be a call up option for the Panthers.
Winger David Perron and the Detroit Red Wings have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $4.75 Million dollar AAV. This is the je first time in his career that Perron isn’t signing with the Blues but he will have a very nice fit in Detroit, coming off a 27 goal and 57 point season in 67 games last year, Perron will be able to be a veteran presence on a team that needs and after much improvement to their roster throughout the day the addition of Perron makes them even deeper as they now get a player who could play with Copp on the 2nd line next year in my opinion.
Goaltender Phoenix Copley and the Los Angeles Kings have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.800 Thousand dollar AAV. Copley should be the 3rd stringer in my opinion in Los Angeles as at least for the time being the Kings have Peterson and Quick as the two goalies at the NHL level and Copley helps improve that position after having a .913 SV% in 35 AHL game and had a .878 SV% in 2 NHL games last year and I think Copley is a very capable 3rd string goalie for Washington and improved their depth for next year.
Calgary has signed 5 depth players:
Goalie Oskar Dansk, 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
Defensemen Colton Poolman 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
Forward Clark Bishop 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
Forward Trevor Lewis 1 year, 1 way, $.800 Thousand AAV.
Defensemen Nick DeSimone 2 year, 2 way, $.763 Thousand AAV.
Now I don’t think many of these players get a shot at the NHL level as DeSimone and Dansk I am sure are AHL players for the Flames, Lewis I think is the most likely to make it to the NHL roster next year as his deal is 1 way and he played for Calgary last year, and while it wouldn’t surprise me if Poolman or Bishop wound up making the roster as depth pieces I think the more likely scenario is that does two also start in the AHL next year.
Boston has signed 4 depth players:
Goaltender Keith Kinkaid 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
Defensemen Daniel Renouf 2 year, 2 way, $.763 Thousand AAV.
Defensemen Connor Carrick 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
Forward Vinni Letteri 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
And I can’t see many of these players cracking the NHL roster either next year as Kinkaid will probably be the 3rd stinger next year in Boston behind Ullmark and Swayman, with the heavily deep defence in Boston I don’t think that Renouf or Carrick will be NHL forwards next year and will most likely be AHL players who could be called up and with the Bruins still probably moving a forward or two and the year Letteri had last year I could definitely see him being on the NHL roster and even playing on the fourth line and and of these four signings I see Letteri as the one most likely to make the NHL next year.
Minnesota has signed 4 depth players.
Forward Brandon Baddock 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
Defensemen Andrej Sustr 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
Forward Steven Fogarty 2 year, 2 way, $.763 Thousand AAV.
Forward Nicolas Petan 2 year, 2 way, $.763 Thousand AAV.
I think a couple of these players could make the NHL roster but probably not all as I think that Baddock is definitely not a NHL forward and will play in the minors next year, I think Sustr will be a call up option if the Wild have a lot of injuries but give their depth on defence I think that Sustr will probably play in the AHL, I would also think Fogarty play in the AHL and should be a call up option as he does have NHL experience but only a little and I see Petan as a 4th line forward for the Wild next year with his NHL experience and because the Wild lost a few depth pieces today I think they could have a need and that is where Petan fits in.
Seattle has signed 3 depth players
Forward Jesper Froden 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
Defensemen Brogan Rafferty 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
Goaltender Magnus Hellberg 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
Once again I don’t see any of these players making the NHL roster next year as Hellberg will be a 3rd or 4th string goalie in Seattle and I don’t think will see much NHL time, and while they are a bit weak at the defensive and forward positions and I think there is a slim chance that with a couple games of NHL experience Froden and/or Rafferty could make the NHL team I still think they will start in the minors and if they play well enough would definitely be considered for a NHL spot but I think that will take time.
Ottawa has signed 3 depth players.
Forward Scott Sabourin 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
Forward Jacob Lucchini 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
Defensemen Kristians Rubins 1 year, 2 way, $.750 Thousand AAV.
I don’t think any of these three player make the roster as defensemen Rubins doesn’t even have NHL experience and while Sabourin and Lucchini both have limited NHL experience I think that with the upgrades to Ottawa’s forward group it would be near impossible for them to get into the lineup so I would guess all 3 are AHL players next year.
Goalie Jonas Johanssson and the Colorado Avalanche have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.750 Thousand dollar AAV. Johansson is now back in Colorado and didn’t play much last year for Florida putting up a .766 SV% in 2 games and I think that Johansson will once agin revert to being the 3rd string goalie starting at the AHL level for the Avalanche next year.
Center, Left Winger Gregg McKegg and the Edmonton Oilers have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $.763 Thousand dollar AAV. McKegg is a depth piece for the Oilers as he could play on the 4th line but in my opinion he will either be a spare forward or a call up option from the AHL because even though he put up 5 points in 43 games with NYR last year I sort of see him as a fringe every day player.
Winger Dominik Kubalik and the Detroit Red Wings have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $2.5 Million dollar AAV. Kubalik signed with the Red Wings and after a down year where he had 15 goals and 32 points but is still think that he is a good middle six forward who I think can thrive on the second line for Detroit with maybe newcomer Andrew Copp.
Goaltender David Rittich and the Winnipeg Jets have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.900 Thousand dollar AAV. After letting go of Comrie in free agency they replace him as Rittich is the new backup goaltender in Winnipeg after a rough year where he had .886 SV% in 17 games with Nashville I think he can give the Jets a good 15-20 games as the backup to Hellebuyck and I think while this is maybe not the best signing Winnipeg could have gotten, but Rittich is still a good backup who I think will do okay next year in Winnipeg.
Left Defensemen Marc Staal and the Florida Panthers have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.750 Thousand dollar AAV. The Panthers have actually signed both of the Staal brothers as they sign Marc to a 1 year deal and they signed Eric to a PTO but in Staal they are getting a veteran defensemen who can either play on the 3rd pair or be a 7th defensemen and can still produce offensively as he had 16 points in 71 games last year and I see him as a key veteran leader on this Panthers team.
Winger Alex Burakovsky and the Seattle Kraken have agreed to a 5 year contract that will carry a $5.5 Million dollar AAV. The Kraken went into the offseason looking to find players who can put the puck in the net and Burakovsky is one of those guys as he is coming off a career year where he had 22 goals and 61 points in 80 games last year helping the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup Win and i think that he will play in the Top 6 maybe even on the top line with Beniers.
Goalie Louis Domingue and the New York Rangers have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $.775 Thousand dollar AAV. Domingue is back in a similar position this year that he was in last year as he signed with the Rangers but with Shesterkin starter and Halak now backup he will probably be the third stringer in New York but after a pretty good showing in the playoffs where he had a .898 SV% in 6 playoff games and I think he will be a great third string goalie for the Rangers.
Right Defensemen Erik Gudbranson and the Columbus Blue Jackets have agreed to a 4 year contract that will carry a $4 Million dollar AAV. This is not a good deal in my opinion as the Blue Jackets heavily over paid and gave out too much term to Gudbranson as he did have quite a good year with the Flames last year getting 17 points in 78 games bi would’ve gone a 2-3 year deal at around $2-2.5 Million dollars per year and I think he will be a right side defensemen on the 2nd pair but I don’t think this contract will age well for Columbus.
Right Winger, Center Will Bitten and the St.Louis Blues have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $.763 Thousand dollar AAV. Bitten is just a depth forward who is coming off a season where he had 33 points in 68 games played in the AHL and I think that he will probably remain in the AHL for the upcoming season.
Defender Jan Rutta and the Pittsburgh Penguins have agreed to a 3 year contract that will carry a $2.75 Million dollar AAV. After helping the Bolts get to their 3rd consecutive cup final Rutta takes his services to Pittsburgh now where I think this is a pretty good deal after Rutta had 18 points in 76 games last year and I think that while I would have been more comfortable not going over $2.5 Million on the AAV for what he brings and the experience he has I think this is a good signing by Pittsburgh and Rutta should fit well on Pittsburgh’s 3rd pair.
Defender Ben Chiarot and the Detroit Red Wings have agreed to a 4 year contract that will carry a $4.75 Million dollar AAV. The Red Wings are getting a huge boost on the blue line in Chiarot as they are able to pay him the money he wants although I am a bit weary of giving him this amount of money and term as he is a good defensemen coming off a year where he had 26 points in 74 games but I wouldn’t have gone past $3 Million let alone $4.75 and I think a 2-3 year deal would’ve been better but regardless the Red Wings definitely were able to improve their blue line with this signing.
Defender Erik Gustafsson and the Washington Capitals have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.800 Thousand dollar AAV. Gustafsson will definitely be a great depth defensemen for the Capitals and I think that after he had 18 points in 59 games played last year with Chicago he will be a good 3rd pair pair Defensemen on a Caps blueline that lost a few pieces this year and he should be able to produce in a low role.
Goalie Charlie Lindgren and the Washington Capitals have agreed to a 3 year contract that will carry a $1.1 Million dollar AAV. Lindgren has been a 3rd string goalie over the past few years and did get into some NHL action last year putting up a .958 SV% in 5 games at the NHL level last year and the Washington Capitals seem to need a backup goalie next year after moving on from the other two behind Kuemper and I think that with the money they gave him they see him as a backup goalie next year.
Winger Mason Marchment and the Dallas Stars have agreed to a 4 year contract that will carry a $4.5 Million dollar AAV. After having a career year in Florida last year putting up 47 points in 54 games the Stars give him a major raise as I think a $4.5 Million dollar deal might be a tad rich and I would’ve given him a $3.5 Million dollar deal but if he keeps up this point pace then I think Dallas will be okay and I think he will help them be more offensive and I think that he will fit in the middle six, maybe with Seguin on the 2nd line.
Center, Right Winger Noel Acciari and the St.Louis have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $1.25 Million dollar AAV. The Blues get the depth Center to replace Bozak as they get Acciari on a cheap short term contract and I think this deal is great and Acciari should get more of a opportunity in St.Louis then he did in Florida after he had 8 points in only 20 games last season and I think that with some of the depth leaving the Blues he can be there 4th line Center next year and play a lot more then 20 games.
Center Right Winger Colin Blackwell and the Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $1.2 Million dollar AAV. After having a few years showing how good he can be on a 4th line, Blackwell will now have the ability to ply a more prominent role in Chicago after signing with them today, he had 20 points in 49 games last year with both the Kraken and Maple Leafs but i think he will get a shot at playing on the 3rd line in Chicago and he could also be a deadline acquisition for a team looking to improve their forward group.
Center Andrew Poturalski and the Seattle Kraken have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $.763 Thousand dollar AAV. Poturalski has only 4 NHL games of NHL experience but after a 101 point AHL season in 71 games and helping the Charlotte team win the Calder Trophy, I think he may be ready for a bigger role as I think he could probably play in the AHL again next year but it would not surprise me at all if he was able to carve out a 4th line role for himself next year.
Left Winger, Center Nick Cousins and the Florida Panthers have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $1.1 Million dollar AAV. Another bottom six forward is signing and another with the Panthers as Florida is bringing in Cousins on a 2 year deal, ow just like White he can help fill the void left by Marchment and Giroux and after he had 22 points in 68 games last year with Nashville I think he would fit really well win the Panthers bottom six and I think he would fit best on their fourth line.
Right Defensemen Madison Bowey and the Montreal Canadiens have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.750 Thousand dollar AAV. Bowey is a depth signing by the Canadiens especially with how young and deep their defence is but Bowey who has only played 4 NHL games over the past two year has 28 points in 53 AHL games last year and I suspect he will play in the AHL again next year but will also be a under the radar call up option if a guy gets hurt.
Left Defensemen Dennis Gilbert and the Calgary Flames have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $.763 Thousand dollar AAV. Gilbert has spent the past two years in the deep Avalanche system and only gotten 3 NHL games in that time span and had 23 points in 52 games this past year in the AHL and while I think he could possibly be the Flames 7th defensemen next year I think the most likely option is he plays in the AHL and is a call up option for the Flames if they need it.
Left Winger Oskar Lindblom and the San Jose Sharks have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $2.5 Million dollar AAV. After Lindblom was bought out yesterday it didn’t take long for him to get another opportunity as he got a new deal from the San Jose Sharks and while he was overpaid in Philadelphia I think he could be overpaid here and I wouldn’t have gone over $2 Million but after the season he had where he put up 12 goals and 26 points I think he will be a great 3rd line forward for the Sharks.
Winger Artturi Lehkonen and the Colorado Avalanche have agreed to a 5 year contract that will carry a $4.5 Million dollar AAV. Now a UFA but one of the bigger RFA names gets done with the Avalanche locking up Lehkonen long term as he fit in amazingly, after putting up 38 points in 74 games including 9 points in 16 games with Colorado and also had 8 playoff goals, he proved himself to be a really good role player and while I think he will remain a middle six forward on most likely the 2nd line I did think the $4.5 Million dollar cap hit is risky but I do like the term and deal for Colorado.
Center, Right Winger Nick Bjugstad and the Arizona Coyotes have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.900 Thousand dollar AAV. Bjugstad is able to get a cheap one year deal with the Arizona Coyotes where he will get more of a role then he would’ve anywhere else, coming of a year where he had 13 points in 57 games with Minnesota, I think he can play in a middle six role next year and be a deadline acquisition but this is a great signing for Arizona as the veteran forward can also help the young guys.
Forward Charles Hudon and the Colorado Avalanche have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.750 Thousand dollar AAV. After a year in Europe Hudon played in Syracuse and put up 57 points in 66 games and while I think he will probably remain in the minors next year for the deep Avalanche team I also think that he could be a call up option next year for the Avalanche.
Goaltender Darcy Kuemper and the Washington Capitals have agreed to a 5 year contract that will carry a $5.25 Million dollar AAV. After they moved on from Samsonov and Vanecek, Darcy Kuemper has now signed a new long term deal with the Capitals and will now be the sole starter in Washington after he lead the Avalanche to the Stanley cup and had a 2.54 GAA and a .921 SV% in 57 games last year and I think he will excel as the starter in Washington and while the 5th year is a little risky I think the signing is great for both sides.
Defender Xavier Ouellet and the Pittsburgh Penguins have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.750 Thousand dollar AAV. The Penguins are able to get some depth at defence by signing Ouellet who played the entire year last year in the AHL getting 41 points in in 61 games and I think he plays in the AHL next year and could wind up being a call up option for the Penguins.
Center Laurent Dauphin and the Arizona Coyotes have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.750 Thousand dollar AAV. Dauphin got back to the NHL last year putting up 12 points in 38 games with Montreal and I think Dauphin will have a legit shot at making the Coyotes lineup maybe on the fourth line but I also think he could start in the minors and then be called up so I think he will be a bottom six forward but could play in the minors.
Center Dakota Joshua and the Vancouver Canucks have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $.763 Thousand dollar AAV. Joshua is a depth forward who I think could be the Canucks 4th line Center next year but he could also be a call up option plying in the AHL but after he had 3 goals and 8 points in 30 games last year and I think he will be a reliable depth forward for the Canucks.
Left Winger A.J Greer and the Boston Bruins have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $.763 Thousand dollar AAV. The Bruins get a good depth forward who I think could be a call up option next year as he had 2 points in 9 NHL games last year and I I think he will be a serviceable depth forward for Boston.
Winger Brendan Lemieux and the Los Angeles Kings have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $1.35 Million dollar AAV. After not qualifying him the Kings have brought back Lemieux to remain in their forward group and after having 8 goals 13 points in 50 games last year and I think he will probably remain on the Kings 4th line next year and I think he will continue to be a physical presence on the Kings bottom six.
Goaltender Dustin Tokarski and the Pittsburgh Penguins have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.775 Thousand dollar AAV. Tokarski signed a one year deal as he was backup last year in Buffalo putting up a .899 SV% in 29 games last year but with the Penguins already having their two goalies I think he will probably be the third string goalie in Pittsburgh for next year starting the season in the AHL.
Goaltender Alex Stalock and the Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.750 Thousand dollar AAV. Stalock has had health uncertainty over the last few years but I think he was signed to play as backup in Chicago next year as he only has one NHL game under his belt since the 19-20 season and I think he could play 20-25 games as the Hawks backup next year depending on his health.
Goaltender Eric Comrie and the Buffalo Sabres have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $1.8 Million dollar AAV. The Sabres needed someone who could at least tandem with Anderson for the upcoming year so UPL could continue to develop and while I thought they would’ve gone after Samsonov, Comrie is a pretty good goalie to as he can be the 1B option for the Sabres next year and Gould tandem with UPL the year after and I like this signing by the Sabres.
Forward Vladislav Namestnikov and the Tampa Bay Lightning have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $2.5 Million dollar AAV. The Lightning lost Palat which I thought wouldn’t happen as they usually bring back their players but they signed Namestnikov to fill his role, now Namestnikov is a speedy winger who I think could play on the second line next year with stamps and he had played with Tampa before so he knows the origination well and I think he will be a great middle six forward for the Bolts after he put up 35 points in 70 games last year.
Defender Brett Kulak and the Edmonton Oilers have agreed to a 4 year contract that will carry a $2.75 Million dollar AAV. Kulak played well in both Montreal and Edmonton last year and after having a career season last year with 21 points in 74 games I think this contract is maybe a bit long and a bit much as I would’ve gone 3 years at closer to $2 Million but I still think Kulak’s fit with this team is amazing and I would think he plays a top 4 role with Bouchard next year.
Right Defensemen Nicolas Meloche and the Calgary Flames have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.950 Thousand dollar AAV. After not being qualified by the Sharks, Meloche signs a surprising 1 way deal for the Flames as he had his first step to playing a full year as he had 7 points in 50 games last year for the Sharks and with the departure of both 3rd pair defensemen in Calgary I think he can be a option to play on the 3rd pair for the Flames next year.
Goaltender Thomas Greiss and the St.Louis Blues have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $1.25 Million dollar AAV. After they lost Husso to Detroit as he was too expensive to sign, they go and get a veteran goalie to play behind Binnington in Greiss as I think he was one of the better backup options in free agency after having a .891 SV% in 31 games last year and I think he will be a okay goalie playing 25-30 games behind Binnington next year.
Winger Ilya Mikheyev and the Vancouver Canucks have agreed to a 4 year contract that will carry a $4.75 Million dollar AAV. The Canucks go out and get a great player in free agency as they signed Mikheyev from the Maple Leafs, now I think Mikheyev will fit in the top six and I think playing with Bo Horvat isn’t out of the question as he had a career year last season putting up 32 points in 53 games last year and I think he will fit well with the Canucks, but I am wondering if there is now a deal looming to move a Canuck forward.
Goaltender Jaroslav Halak and the New York Rangers have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $1.55 Million dollar AAV. After moving expensive backup Georgiev the Rangers bring in a veteran backup in Halak who only needs to play as the backup and wont need to play every night and can give them 15-20 games as backup and after having a .902 SV% in 17 games last year with Vancouver I think he can be a solid backup for NYR behind Shesterkin.
Right Winger, Center Colin White and the Florida Panthers have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $1.2 Million dollar AAV. After being bought out by the Senators, While is able to sign a cheap $1.2 Million dollar contract with Florida and I think that he will be able to help the Panthers overcome the losses of Marchment and Giroux as White as long as he can stay healthy is a good middle six forward as he had 10 points in 24 games last year and I think he can play with Lundell on the 3rd line.
Center, Right Winger Adam Gaudette and the Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.750 Thousand dollar AAV. With the loss of a lot of their depth forwards the Leafs needed some depth signings like Gaudette to play in a bottom six role and give them some good production for not too much money and after having 14 points in 58 games last year I think that he will be a great addition to the Maple Leafs fourth line this upcoming year.
Winger Frank Vatrano and the Anaheim Ducks have agreed to a 3 year contract that will carry a $3.65 Million dollar AAV. After moving to New York R and given a bigger role Vatrano thrives as he had 13 points in 22 games with NYR after having 19 points in 49 games with Florida and I think he will fit nicely in the Ducks middle six and maybe he will get a chance to play with Zegras on the second line and I like the contract and signing by Anaheim.
Right Defensemen Ilya Lyubushkin and the Buffalo Sabres have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $2.75 Million dollar AAV. Lyubushkin was a very integral part of the Maple Leafs team last year as he played with Reilly and after having 15 points in 77 games with Arizona and Toronto he goes to Buffalo where he should once again be a top 4 defensemen and I think he can play on the 2nd pair with Power and I think he is going to be the Power partner the Sabres have been looking for.
Winger Andreas Athanasiou and the Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $3 Million dollar AAV. With the Hawks stripping down as much of their roster as they can they do need to sign some players who can play in their lineup for the next few years while they are rebuilding and one of those guys has been signed and that is Athanasiou. Athanasiou should be a top 6 forward on this team and while he does have health concerns he had 17 points in 28 games last year and I think will be able to showcase his abilities in Chicago.
Left Winger, Center Max Domi and the Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $3 Million dollar AAV. Another player who probably didn’t get much interest from around the league will fill a roster spot in Chacgo as Max Domi has now signed with the Hawks for one year and just like Athanasiou he should be able to get a top 6 role in the rebuilding Hawks and after putting up 39 points in 72 games last year I think he will excel in a top six role with the Blackhawks.
Left Defensemen Olli Maatta and the Detroit Red Wings have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $2.25 Million dollar AAV. Maatta was able to get paid by the up and coming Red Wings who continue to add today as Määttä should be able to play consistently on the 3rd pair for Detroit as the Red Wings have very few left side defensemen in their organization right now and after having 8 points in 66 games with LA this past year I think he will be a great defensemen in Detroit.
Left defensemen Wyatt Kalynuk and the Vancouver Canucks have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $.750 Thousand dollar AAV. This is a depth signing to for the Canucks as Kalynuk didn’t get a qualifying offer from Chicago and will now be a depth piece in Vancouver as I think he will definitely be a call up option for Vancouver next year and I think this is a good signing of a good young player by Vancouver.
Left Defensemen Nick Leddy and the St.Louis Blues have agreed to a 4 year contract extension that will carry a $4 Million dollar AAV. The Blues get their top 4 defensemen although he was already a part of the Blues organization as after Leddy had 24 points in 75 games with the Red wings and Blues last year he will remain with the Blues and while I think giving him a 4th year is a bit risky he did fit in well with the team and I would expect him to keep playing on the 2nd pair for St.Louis.
Center, Right Winger Vincent Trocheck and the New York Rangers have agreed to a 7 year contract that will carry a $5.63 Million dollar AAV. After losing forwards Strome and Copp in free agency they pivot and get Trocheck who is a good 2nd line Center and should be able to play on the second line With Panarin next year and while I would’ve gone 4-5 years for Trocheck and not 7 I still love this singing and I think Trocheck is going to have a great next few years in New York.
Forward Andrew Copp and the Detroit Red Wings have agreed to a 5 year contract that will carry a $5.63 Million dollar AAV. Copp has played well in New York R and Winnipeg this year putting up 53 points in 72 games and is from Michigan so he comes home and with this deal he will be able to fill a middle six role in Detroit and help them improve their offense and he can play all forward positions so this is a great signing for the Red Wings.
Right Winger Nicolas Aube Kubel and the Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $1 Million dollar AAV. The Maple Leafs get a good role player who just helped the Avalanche win the cup as he should be able to produce in a bottom six role after he had 22 point in 67 games with the Avalanche last year and with all the depth bodies the Maple Leads are losing signing Kubel to a cheap one year deal is a great job.
Right Defensemen Troy Stecher and the Arizona Coyotes have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $1.2 Million dollar AAV. Stecher was injured for most of last year but got into 29 games putting up 3 points but cam alive in the playoffs having 4 points in 4 playoff games and he will be able to get a top 4 role in Arizona and should be able to have his stock rise over the next year.
Defender, Left Winger Brendan Smith and the New Jersey Devils have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $1.1 Million dollar AAV. Smith is a good depth piece for the Devils to sign as he had 8 points in 45 games and I think he can be versatile as he can play on the forward side as well as the defensive side and I think he will get a chance on the 3rd pair next year for Jersey or even a depth player who can come into the lineup if there is a injury.
Center, Right Winger Curtis Lazar and the Vancouver Canucks have agreed to a 3 year contract that will carry a $1 Million dollar AAV. Lazar is a great pickup for Vancouver as he can bring some speed and physical Abilities as Lazar is a amazing 4th line forward just like he was in Boston where he put up 16 points in 70 games last year and I think he can bring the sort of energy that Motte did last year for the Canucks on that 4th line.
Forward Kevin Rooney and the Calgary Flames have agreed to a 2 year contract that will carry a $1.3 Million dollar AAV. Rooney is a great add for the Flames as he had 12 points in 61 games with the Rangers last year and I think with all of the depth forwards leaving Calgary like Carpenter and Jarnkrok, Rooney can fill in the bottom six most likely on the 4th line and be a good role player for the Flames next year.
Goaltender Jack Campbell and the Edmonton Oilers have agreed to a lone term 5 year contract that will carry a $5 Million dollar AAV. As most have speculated the Edmonton Oilers were able to get their goalie as they get Jack Campbell who was with Edmonton and after a up and down season with Toronto I think Campbell will do great with Edmonton as he can probably get them 20-25 wins in 50 games and with Skinner as their backup I would say the goalie position has finally been addressed for Edmonton and they should do a lot better in goal next year then they did last year.
Goaltender Ilya Samsonov and the Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to a 1 year contract extension that will carry a $1.8 Million dollar AAV. After not getting a qualifying offer by the Caps, the Maple Leafs give Samsonov a opportunity as he can be the backup to Matt Murray and I think he could play better with the Leafs as a backup then he had with the Caps and I think that even though his numbers have plummeted over the past few years still think that Samsonov has tandem abilities and he could eventually get back there but I like this signing for both sides.
Center, Right Winger Claude Giroux and the Ottawa Senators have agreed to a 3 year contract that will carry a $6.5 Million dollar AAV. Giroux goes home as the Senators did enough in the offseason so far to entice him to come to Ottawa as Giroux is still a solid NHL player who can produce well and bring in veteran experience to this young team as he had 21 goals and 65 points last year in Philadelphia and Florida and I would suspect he plays in the Middle six maybe on a line with Tim Stutzle.
Defensemen Ian Cole and the Tampa Bay Lightning have agreed to a 1 year contract that will carry a $3 Million dollar AAV. After moving McDonagh the Lightning have found there short term fit in Cole as he had a solid season last year with Carolina putting up 19 points in 75 games last year and he can play either side but I would expect him to be a 3rd pair player and fill the hole that was left by the Ryan McDonagh trade.
Winger Victor Olofsson and the Buffalo Sabres have come to terms on a 2 year contract extension that will carry a AAV of $4.75 Million dollars. I thought the qualifying offer would scare the Sabres but they pay Olofsson more then that qualifying offer after Olofsson had a career year in Buffalo this year as he had 20 goals and 49 points with most of that coming on the power play as I think Olofsson can now play in the middle six for Buffalo for the next few years and be a power play specialist for them.
A signing and Trade update
Boston New Jersey
Pavel Zacha Eric Haula
Analysis: the Devils get rid of a young Center who is a RFA and in return they get a middle six forward entering the Final year of his deal. Haula had his best season last year since the 17-18 year as he put up 44 points in 78 games with Boston and while the Devils are adding $2.38 Million in cap space for a pending RFA, they don’t have too much commitment with Haula and he can play really well in the Middle six on either the wing or at Center and I think he can play well with the young Devils team. As for Boston they get Zacha the ho had a career year this season with 36 points in 70 games this year and although he is a 1 or 2 away from UFA status I think that the Bruins should be able to come to terms on a 2-4 year deal at between $2-3.5 Million per year but he is younger then Haula and should thrive in a middle six role maybe even a entering a line with Hall next year. I think that this is a pretty even swap as the Devils get the older short term player while the Bruins get a younger player who could be a Bruin for longer then a year.
The Avalanche are trying to keep the band together as Right defender Josh Manson and the Colorado Avalanche have come to terms on a 4 year contract extension that will carry a AAV of $4.5 Million dollars per year. Manson didn’t have one of his most productive years in the NHL but played a important role with the Avalanche helping them win the cup and I think he will probably stay as a top 4 defensemen on the right side of the second line, probably playing with Girard again next year.
Some rumours that I am hearing recently.
Ottawa is the front runner for Giroux and Jersey is the front runnner for Gaudreau. Giroux is from Ottawa and with all of the trades they have made recently it must be really appealing to him cause they are making a push to get back to the playoffs, and the Devils are set up better then the cap strapped Flyers or Islanders to land Gaudreau as they have the cap space and a need in their top 6 and because Gaudreau is from around that area it would be a bit of a homecoming for him and that seems really appealing.
Thomas has a extension in place: the Blues and Robert Thomas are working on a 8 year contract extension that will kick in not this year but next that has a AAV of $8 Million dollars, I am not sure about the money as I think that 8 Million is just a tad much but a 8 year extension for a great top 6 Center would be a amazing piece of business by St.Louis.
Burns on the move: it sounds like things on the Burns front are picking up as the Canes and Stars have had discussion throughout the night about Burns and it appears his time as a Shark is limited as a trade seems very likely to happen in the next few hours
Golden Knights to try to clear cap space: Vegas is trying to clear cap space to make the Smith and Howden deals official and it seems like the Golden Knights could be moving someone soon and there has been some speculation that maybe that player could be Max Pacioretty.
And lastly is is sounding like Copp will sign in Detroit in free agency for around $5 Million dollars at around 4-6 years and I will have more on this later.
Some more signings that have started today.
Forward Darren Helm and the Colorado Avalanche have come to terms on a 1 year contract extension that will carry a AAV of $1.25 Million dollars. Helm has been a good depth piece in Colorado and has been a consistent 4th line forward in Colorado last year putting up 15 points in the regular season and he should probably be back on the fourth line next year for Colorado in my opinion as he ha splayed that role really well last year.
The Maple Leafs have signed Goaltender Dennis Hildeby to a 3 year ELC that will carry a AAV of $.843 Thousand dollars per year and the deal will kick in next year. Hildeby was a 2022 4RD pick of the Maple Leafs so he is Definitely still going to play in the SHL next year but I do think he could have a NHL future in net for this Leafs team.
The Canadiens have signed Alex Belzile, Joel Teasdale and Nathan Schnarr all to 1 year 2-way deals and they all have a AAV of $.750 Thousand dollars. All three are mostly minor league players and I would say that Teasdale and Schnarr are both definitely going to be AHL forwards next year but while I also see Belzile in the AHL I think he could be a solid call up option and if there are injuries I could see him be called up.
First a signing that went down late last night with huge implications
Winger Evander Kane and the Edmonton Oilers have com to terms after a lot of negotiating as they have come to terms on a 4 year contract extension that will carry a AAV of $5.125 Million dollars. Kane was a big part of the Oilers success this year especially in the Playoffs as he signed mid season and put up a really good 39 points in 42 games in the regular season and put up 13 goals in the playoffs and I think this deal is good for both term and money and I think it was a smart move from the Oilers to bring back McDavid’s partner and I expect much more production from Kane over the next few year on the top line.
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