Update on Unsigned NHL RFAs – August 7, 2015

A look at the status of several notable unsigned NHL restricted free agents.

Still no word on a new contract for Carl Hagelin.

Carl Hagelin, Anaheim Ducks. Since being acquired by the Ducks from the New York Rangers during the 2015 NHL Draft, there’s no word on any progress in Hagelin’s contract talks. He’s reportedly slated to play on the club’s second-line alongside Ryan Kesler and Jakob Silfverberg. Hagelin completed a two-year deal worth $2.25 million per season.

Marcus Kruger, Chicago Blackhawks. The most recent report on Kruger’s status came on July 27, when his agent said his client would remain patient while Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman tries to free up sufficient cap space to re-sign him. That could take until September to work out. Wingers Bryan Bickell ($4 million per season) and Kris Versteeg ($2.2 million) remain the likely trade candidates. Kruger is coming off a two-year deal worth $1.325 million per season.

Jonathan Huberdeau, Florida Panthers. It’s been well over a month since Panthers GM Dale Tallon claimed he believed he was very close to re-signing Huberdeau, who’s completing an entry-level contract.

Brock Nelson, New York Islanders. Nothing new on Nelson, who’s coming off an entry-level contract.

Jakob Silfverberg, Anaheim Ducks. Nothing new on Silfverberg’s contract talks. He completed a one-year deal.

9 Comments

Caper on August 7, 2015 at 2:02 pm

The two names that keep coming out of Chicago is Bickell and Versteeg, I don’t see them as easy moves. Bickell does nothing in the regular season and this season he didn’t do anything in the playoffs, with another year on his contract that isn’t a easy move. Versteeg got one year left but why would you trade for him when you could have Brad Boyes just for $$$ or a couple of the other ufa’s that can provide you with the same if not more.

rc21pa on August 7, 2015 at 3:50 pm

I could see Versteeg moved in Chicago due to being a productive player and a very reasonable contract. The only problem is lack of teams with cap space. Plus who knows what the asking price is for him currently. A lot of teams aren’t going to give anything when they know you need the cap space. Chicago better get use to the idea of moving Versteeg for a low pick or a defaulted player. Especially if they want the cap space.
Hockey Guru on August 7, 2015 at 4:22 pm

That makes sense. Unless there is something we dont know, youre right going to be a tough sell on those two Hawks.
- Dan39 on August 7, 2015 at 4:39 pm
  
  I think Bowman’s got bigger problems to deal with right now. And really until that situation is understood, how do you move forward with a plan for your team?
- Paddy on August 7, 2015 at 4:51 pm
  
  Exactly. Moral and other issues notwithstanding, how can he go forward not knowing if he’s going to over the cap in October… or $12M under it?
- Caper on August 7, 2015 at 5:48 pm
  
  worst case scenario they’ll have lots of money to resign Seabrook and anybody else.

George on August 7, 2015 at 3:33 pm

I’d love to see the Senators contact Snow to see what he’d want for Brock Nelson if contract negotiations continue to stutter there. But I ain’t holding my breath.

JJB on August 8, 2015 at 5:09 pm

I’m right there with you, Nelson would look good on the Senators forward lines, however currently I’m more worried about the depth and ability of our defensive unit.

K on August 7, 2015 at 8:59 pm

Gonna have to sweeten the deal if you want to move bickell or versteeg

I can’t wait to see if seabroke wants to cash in.. On his next contract

If so Chicago might be smart to move him now.. Get back a solid return

Or risk losing him and just trade his rights.. For pennies on the dollar

Caper on August 7, 2015 at 2:02 pm

The two names that keep coming out of Chicago is Bickell and Versteeg, I don’t see them as easy moves. Bickell does nothing in the regular season and this season he didn’t do anything in the playoffs, with another year on his contract that isn’t a easy move. Versteeg got one year left but why would you trade for him when you could have Brad Boyes just for $$$ or a couple of the other ufa’s that can provide you with the same if not more.
- rc21pa on August 7, 2015 at 3:50 pm
  
  I could see Versteeg moved in Chicago due to being a productive player and a very reasonable contract. The only problem is lack of teams with cap space. Plus who knows what the asking price is for him currently. A lot of teams aren’t going to give anything when they know you need the cap space. Chicago better get use to the idea of moving Versteeg for a low pick or a defaulted player. Especially if they want the cap space.
- Hockey Guru on August 7, 2015 at 4:22 pm
  
  That makes sense. Unless there is something we dont know, youre right going to be a tough sell on those two Hawks.
  - Dan39 on August 7, 2015 at 4:39 pm
    
    I think Bowman’s got bigger problems to deal with right now. And really until that situation is understood, how do you move forward with a plan for your team?
  - Paddy on August 7, 2015 at 4:51 pm
    
    Exactly. Moral and other issues notwithstanding, how can he go forward not knowing if he’s going to over the cap in October… or $12M under it?
  - Caper on August 7, 2015 at 5:48 pm
    
    worst case scenario they’ll have lots of money to resign Seabrook and anybody else.
George on August 7, 2015 at 3:33 pm

I’d love to see the Senators contact Snow to see what he’d want for Brock Nelson if contract negotiations continue to stutter there. But I ain’t holding my breath.
- JJB on August 8, 2015 at 5:09 pm
  
  I’m right there with you, Nelson would look good on the Senators forward lines, however currently I’m more worried about the depth and ability of our defensive unit.
K on August 7, 2015 at 8:59 pm

Gonna have to sweeten the deal if you want to move bickell or versteeg

I can’t wait to see if seabroke wants to cash in.. On his next contract

If so Chicago might be smart to move him now.. Get back a solid return

Or risk losing him and just trade his rights.. For pennies on the dollar