Media-generated NHL trade and free agent rumors remain scarce, so let’s take a look at the status of this summer’s notable unsigned restricted free agents.
Derek Stepan, New York Rangers: Barring a last-minute settlement, he and the Rangers head to salary arbitration today. He’s seeking a one-year deal worth $7.25 million. They’re offering $5.2 million. The outcome will have a significant effect upon the Blueshirts’ cap space for 2015-16. It also raises the possibility Stepan could be traded if his arbitration award proves too expensive for management’s tastes.
**UPDATE** The Rangers re-signed Stepan to a six-year, $39 million contract. The annual cap hit is $6.5 million.
Canadiens winger Alex Galchenyuk is among several notable unsigned NHL stars.
Alex Galchenyuk, Montreal Canadiens: Galchenyuk’s contract talks are on hold as both sides take a break in the discussions. Though negotiations are expected to begin again soon, it could take until mid-September for the two sides to get a deal done. It’s possible a rival club could force the issue with an offer sheet. However, most teams have already invested what they intend to spend this summer, making an offer sheet to Galchenyuk unlikely. A trade is also a possibility if negotiations remain stalled heading into training camp, but unlikely. Galchenyuk lacks arbitration rights, meaning his only leverage is staging a contract holdout when the season begins.
Brock Nelson, New York Islanders: The man with one of the coolest names in hockey (c’mon, admit it!) still isn’t under contract. Over the past month, there’s been no news at all regarding his contract talks. Like Galchenyuk, he’s coming off an entry-level contract, lacks arbitration rights and has limited leverage. He could be an offer-sheet candidate but, with the NHL’s spending-frenzy period (late-June to early-July) over, it’s an unlikely possibility. And no, the Isles won’t trade him if negotiations stall.
Jonathan Huberdeau, Florida Panthers: The 2013 Calder Trophy winner is in the same boat as Galchenyuk and Nelson. It’s been nearly a month since GM Dale Tallon claimed they were “very close” to getting a deal done. Have talks hit a snag? Is Tallon taking his time? Whatever the reason, don’t expect Huberdeau to receive an offer sheet or to become trade bait. He’ll likely be under contract before training camp opens in September.
Jonathan Bernier, Toronto Maple Leafs: His arbitration hearing is slated for July 31. No word yet as to what the two sides are seeking, though that info will likely be revealed at some point this week before the hearing. His previous contract paid him an AAV (average annual value) of $2.9 million. The Leafs took Bernier to arbitration, meaning they can’t walk away from whatever the arbiter awards him. I’m guessing they’ll settle around $3.75 million.
Colin Wilson, Nashville Predators: His arbitration hearing is slated for July 28. He’s seeking $4.25 million, the Preds have offered $3 million. My guess is they settle around $3.5 million annually.
**UPDATE** Wilson was re-signed to a four-year, $15.75 million contract, earning an average cap hit of $3.9375 million.
Marcus Johansson, Washington Capitals: Johansson’s arbitration hearing is scheduled for July 29. The Capitals have just over $4.2 million in cap space, which could be around Johansson’s asking price. If his award is over $4 million, he could become a trade candidate. As his average cap hit on his previous contract was $2 million, I think it comes in around $3.5 million.
Mike Hoffman, Ottawa Senators: Hoffman’s arbitration hearing is on July 30. The Ottawa Citizen’s Ken Warren speculates he could receive between $3 – $3.5 million from an arbiter. Warren also notes the Senators could explore trade options next season for Hoffman, who tallied 27 goals in 2014-15, if they see “enough promise in left-wing prospects Matt Puempel, Shane Prince and Nick Paul.” However, Warren also admits that’s getting way ahead of ourselves.
Carl Hagelin, Anaheim Ducks: We haven’t heard much about Hagelin since he was shipped to the Ducks by the Rangers in a cost-cutting deal during the 2015 NHL Draft. He didn’t file for arbitration. Earlier this month, it was reported Hagelin was believed seeking between $3-$3.5 million annually. Given the Ducks’ considerable cap space, don’t expect him to get an offer sheet.
Marcus Kruger, Chicago Blackhawks: Kruger hopes to sign a long-term extension with the Blackhawks, so don’t expect him to entertain any offer sheets from rival clubs. He’s willing to wait until the ‘Hawks clear sufficient cap space to sign him. They only have around $231K in cap space and Kruger will likely seek over $2 million per season. That means another salary-dumping trade by the Blackhawks. Wingers Bryan Bickell ($4 million) and Kris Versteeg ($2.2 million) remain the likely candidates. Kruger could be waiting until September before ‘Hawks management sorts this out.
Jakub Silverberg, Anaheim Ducks: Like Hagelin, there’s been very little news on the status of his contract talks with the Ducks. Earlier this month, it was reported the two sides were talking contract extension. At some point, Silfverberg will be re-signed. The Ducks have plenty of cap space and plenty of time to get a deal done.
Kruger should be a prime candidate for an offer sheet, regardless if its from the east or west. The right dollars and term he would sign and force Chicago hand. Saad didn’t want to leave either, yet he was traded because they couldn’t afford him. Bickell and Versteeg are presently over paid, don’t see any team given up any value for either player. Again I point out the contracts that were given to both Toews and Kane, has now got the Blackhawks in salary cap hell.
I currently have Chi with 20 players signed, 12 forwards, 6 D & 2 goalies at 70.393 million. I don’t currently include Dano or Tropp as part of the 12 forwards & Kruger still needs to be resigned. Dano is wavier exempt & may have to go down until the other 12 waiver eligible players can be resolved or are waived. I believe Tropp will be waived regardless.
Yes Chicago is in cap hell but 2 teams are worse for me. The team for me facing the biggest cap issue currently is Pittsburgh. They currently have 20 players, 10 forwards, 8 Dman & 2 goalies, signed at 72.294 & still need to add 3 forwards. NYR is 2nd with 22 players signed, 13 forwards, 7 Damn & 2 goalies at 73.225 & need to add 1 Dman. Both these teams are over the cap now & haven’t got full 23 man rosters. Something has to give for both these teams before the NHL 23 man opening season roster must be submitted to the NHL.
NY is at 70.975 because of the bonus cushion (Kevin Hayes). With the Stepan signing, they have 14 forwards, 7 d-men, 2 goalies. I doubt NY is looking for an 8th d-man outside of their own organization. It looks like Diaz will be the 7th guy, unless they can manage to trade Boyle, I honestly don’t see a need to chase an 8th d-man.
Nor do I. But they most likely still carry 8 Dman & even at the league minimum for a UFA or via promotion; McIlrath carries the lowest cap hit at 600K, something will have to give. The 14th forward Luke Adam will be sent down I don’t include his $600 K in my #. Most NHL teams carry 13 forwards, 8 Dman & 2 goalies.
Hayes Bonus’s counts against the cap now. As he’s on an ELC, NYR can exceed the cap by his bonus but any earned bonus money paid will carry over to next season as a penalty against next seasons cap & these bonus’s are so easily achieved that’s a given baring a serous injury eliminating the vast majority of his season. That’s why I had NYR 2nd to Pittsburgh even though they are over the cap by a greater amount of money.
The cap next season may well be stagnant. The Canadian dollar started it’s spiral mid season last year & is tied significantly to oil prices. Neither are rebounding anytime soon & this will have a serious drag on the cap moving forward.
Even with the contracts coming off the books next season. Boyle, Yandle; potentially although I would be shocked if he’s not resigned at some point. NYR gave up a ton to get him & surely that wasn’t just to have his services for a year & a bit although they paid a greater price to secure StLouis for the same length of time. Terrible asset management but when your this close to winning the cup I guess you roll the dice, Dias, Raanta & Moore. Yet Hayes, Kreider, Miller & Etem will all be RFA’s & if Hayes 2.85 bonus cushion is pushed to next seasons cap that’s a seriously problem the season following next.
The sooner NYR addresses this issue the better their negotiating position in trade talks. trading from a position of weakness is never pleasant.
According to generalfanager the Pens cap hit is $67,231,666. That’s with 9 Forwards on one way contracts, 7 D-man (including Erixon) and 2 goalies! So $4 million to sign 3 or 4 4thline players (if they don’t intend to look in their system) and may be another depth d-man. I agree it is not ideal, but imo not the worst cap wise!
Caper, Kruger said he’ll wait for the Blackhawks to free up cap space to re-sign him. That means he’s not interested in an offer sheet.
If I’m another team & want a solid 3rd line C with Kruger’s abilities, I make him an offer of 3 years at 3.5 million. If for no other reason than to put Chicago in a whole world of cap hell.
The compensation requirement would only be a 2nd & Kruger is well worth a 2nd. Chicago would have no choice but to match & that would mean their bargaining position to get cap compliant would be brutal.
Well as Lyle said it’s not going to happen.
Interesting your taske on Chicago Striker you have 12 forwards without Dano. Wondering who you have. I have 12 with him. I bet its Panarin.
Chicago would have 13 then in my books.
I don’t disagree with Lyle specifically. I just think that if a team made that offer whats the worst downside for Kruger. He goes to another team for 3.5 million per. If Chicago balks & lets him walk they have to take a 2nd & Shaw moves back to 3rd line C from RW. I think Kruger is a great acquisition for potentially a 2nd & there is untapped potential there offensively if ever given that opportunity. I appreciate his desire to stay in Chicago but at how much of a discount to potential market value.
But a team isn’t making him an offer, Striker, because Kruger made it clear he intends on re-signing with the Blackhawks and will wait for them to clear up cap space to do so. It’s pointless to even suggest it. If he’s not interested in signing an offer sheet (and I daresay the word is already out via his agent), no team is going to waste their time making that offer.
As for my take on Chicago. I don’t currently have Panarin in my 12. He & Dano are waver exempt & I think Panarin will need some adjustment time, Thinking early in the new year to the big club baring trades or injuries. Chicago will have to address their roster issues & cap issues before Dano or Panarin can make this roster.
I currently have Chicago’s roster like this. Although it depends on whether Chicago wants to move Teravainen to C now or let him continue on the wing for a few more seasons. Regardless Chicago has numerous players that can play C or wing. Shaw, Kruger, Anisimov, Teravainen & Morin. Several though aren’t suited to checking roles & some are, so based on what we know today it sort of dictates placement as no point playing a player like Teravainen as a 4th line C.
Bickell, Toews, Hossa.
Teravainen, Anisimov, Kane.
Versteeg, Kruger; RFA, Shaw.
Garbutt, Morin; could play LW, Desjardins.
Spare Tikhinov.
Keith, Hjalmarsson.
Seabrooke, van Riemsdyk.
Daley, Runblad.
Chicago may play Seabrooke & Daley together at times but can’t see them icing a pairing of van Reimsdyk & Runblad together for any length of time. I see 3 more balanced pairings & not sure yet who will round out their top 8 as they have to make more moves to resolve their cap issues to get to the 23 man roster limit.
Striker, Kruger isn’t interested in an offer sheet. If he was, he would’ve received one by now because everyone knows the ‘Hawks would be in cap hell if they matched. Kruger made it very clear that he’s waiting for the ‘Hawks to free up cap space to re-sign him. He’s obviously not interested in an offer sheet.
If Kruger is not willing to at least listen to other offers than he and his agent are morons. There are no guarantee’s in this world and Chicago has a ton of issues in the cap regard.
Yes, how moronic to want to stay with a perennial Stanley Cup contender. And once the ‘Hawks find a taker for Bickell or Versteeg (likely Bickell), the issue is resolved.
But Lyle, money talks, if someone offered him 3.5 there is no guarantee that he doesn’t change his mind. Wasn’t it Oduya who was going to wait and signed elsewhere after Chicago signed someone else? If I am Kruger i may not wait too long, there aren’t a lot of spots available. It is a buyers market this year.
You’re comparing apples to oranges. Oduya was a UFA. He couldn’t wait for long or else the market would dry up and leave him with limited worthwhile options. Kruger is an RFA. His rights belong to the Blackhawks.
Lyle I know what it means (nothing, just words). Saad said he wasn’t leaving. With that said, still no harm throwing one his way and then he can say no at that time. Really what is there to lose. Don’t know how many times I hear players of all sports say “I want to stay” then sign elsewhere.
Yes, and the overwhelming majority were likely unrestricted free agents. Saad meant it when he said he wanted to stay, but the Blackhawks moved him because of the threat of an offer sheet they felt they wouldn’t be able to match no matter how much cap space they free up. Again, if Kruger were going to receive an offer sheet, he would’ve by now. Fact is, as I told you, he isn’t interested in one, so it’s pointless for a team to make the pitch.
Lyle don’t become a GM. If your going to take everything at face value, then you’ll certainly be on the short end and miss out on opportunities you didn’t know existed, As I told you “just words.”
Follow your own advice. You’re looking for things that aren’t there.
Stepan 6 years 39 mil, pretty fair I’d say.
from the teams perspective imo Stepan at 6 yrs $39M is a better contract than O’Reilly at 7 yrs $52.5M. They are very equal in skill level both offensively and defensively. so not a bad deal for Stepan
next it would be nice to see the Jets lock up Ladd for about 5 years $30M and extend Bfugylien now or trade him for a solid young dman and a high end prospect. If Buff declines a deal like 5-6 years $7.25M per ship him out.
Pens have over $4M in cap space. they should try to sign 3 vets with that money. Marek Zidlicky to play on the right side of third D pairing with Pouliot. then Lovejoy can be the #7 dman. and for the 4th line (until Sheary, Sundqvist are ready for 2016-17) sign Stephen Weiss and Steve Bernier to one year deals. 4th line of Bennett/Weiss/Bernier would be one of the best 4th lines in the league
$7.25mill for Buff is way way to much
Yeah Anaheim has lots of salary cap space right now, but I am thinking they would like to have alot of space left over heading into next season when they have to resign Vatanen, Lindholm, despres, Anderson, Gibson, among other young players. THat 16 million they have will disappear in a hurry over the next year and a half, and they will be in the same situation as Boston, chicago, Phillie, Pittsburg
Bruins are getting their cap space under control. 4.7 to the good right now and another 16 mil coming off the books next year. Can’t see them signing any of their UFA or RFA next off season except maybe Connley and Morrow. So if they go with what they have this season that gives them about 19- 20 mil next season to play with
Good article, Spector.
3.5 million for Kruger?
Are you guy being serious.. Kruger is not worth a second round pick or that much money
Don’t quit your day jobs!! And don’t make any suggestions at work.. You’ll get fired!!!!
Out of curiosity what team has 3.5 million laying around to make that offer. No where he would want to go.
Anaheim
They have 2 restricted free agents left to sign this year and the following year they have 3 restricted free agent defensemen to sign so they really can’t afford dropping an outrageous contract on Kruger.
What’s the point of “throwing an offer sheet” at Kruger if he has no intention of signing it? Pretty sure he wants term (4-5 yrs?).
Additionally, sending Panarin down is not an option. I believe its stipulated in his contract if he doesn’t make the big club, he’s going back to Russia.