Latest free-agent signings and contract buyouts in this morning’s collection of notable NHL headlines.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: While the NHL universe was justifiably abuzz over yesterday’s trade (P.K. Subban for Shea Weber, Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson) and major contract signings (Steven Stamkos, Seth Jones), there were other notable moves that took place.
Sharks re-sign Tomas Hertl.
THE MERCURY NEWS: The San Jose Sharks re-signed left wing Tomas Hertl to a two-year, $6 million contract. Average annual cap hit is $3 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Good move for both sides. Hertl has considerable potential as a high-scoring forward but he’s been hampered by injury. This allows the Sharks another couple of years to evaluate Hertl, whilst giving him two seasons to prove himself worthy of a bigger deal down the road.
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets bought out the contract of defenseman Fedor Tyutin. “Tyutin will be paid $1,458,333 by the Blue Jackets in each of the next four seasons. His salary cap figure will be $1,208,333 this season, followed by $1,958,333 in 2017-18 and $1,458,333 in 2018-19 and 2019-20.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: After re-signing Jones yesterday, the Jackets were left with very little cap space and had to free up some breathing room. Buying out Tyutin accomplishes this, but they might not be done. Left wing Scott Hartnell’s been on the trade block since February.
CALGARY SUN: The Flames are buying out the contract of winger Mason Raymond. “According to generalfanager.com, Raymond’s cap hit will cost the Flames $1.05-million for two seasons.”
TWINCITIES.COM: The Minnesota Wild re-signed winger Jason Zucker to a two-year, $4 million contract.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Another sensible short-term deal. Zucker hit 21 goals in 51 games in 2014-15 but his production fell to 13 goals in 71 games last season. Still a nice pay bump from his previous annual average salary of over $833K
TSN.CA: The St. Louis Blues re-signed forward Kyle Brodziak to a two-year contract extension.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly lists the salary as $950K per season, a cost-effective deal for the Blues.
THE BUFFALO NEWS: The Sabres re-signed defenseman Casey Nelson to a two-year, $1.3 million contract.
I like Hertl’s contract. Though the real litmus test will be the bottom half. Nieto shouldn’t be overvalued at this point as his numbers don’t suggest he will be a contributor on the score sheet. Additionally, resolving the third pair defence will be interesting. It may last until after camp to give some of the younger guys a chance.
The Sharks are in need of another scoring forward. Goals and speed were the difference in the final and if they can made additions to improve in that area it will again be a very strong team.