The NHL’s unrestricted free agent market opens today. Check out all the latest speculation over which teams are interested in which players and more.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Today’s rumor links are presented largely without comment. I’ll keep a running tally of the notable free-agent signings and trades in my News section,with a roundup of the top moves and analysis later this evening in my Soapbox. As always, feel free to weigh in with your thoughts on today’s speculation in the comments section below.
Kyle Okposo is expected to be among today’s top free-agent targets.
SPORTSNET: Luke Fox provides an updated list of this summer’s top-16 NHL UFAs. He notes right wing Kyle Okposo could seek as much as $7 million annually on a long-term deal. The LA Kings, Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers are believed to have contacted right wing Loui Eriksson. The Toronto Maple Leafs could have interest in defenseman Kris Russell. Blueliner Brian Campbell could be heading back to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Canucks contacted forwards Mikkel Boedker and Darren Helm. Center Eric Staal has interest from three or four teams. The New York Rangers and Canucks could have interest in left wing Thomas Vanek. There’s ongoing discussions between the St. Louis Blues and right wing Troy Brouwer,
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports left wing Milan Lucic has narrowed his choices down to two teams. Bob McKenzie reports there’s talk the Edmonton Oilers offered Lucic a seven-year, $42-million contract. He also notes the Maple Leafs haven’t expressed interest in defenseman Dan Hamhuis. Darren Dreger believes there will be plenty of interest in Kyle Okposo, Loui Eriksson, Andrew Ladd, Mikkel Boedker and Frans Nielsen. He said the San Jose Sharks, Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues and perhaps the Canucks could pursue Eriksson, while Ladd spend yesterday with the New York Islanders. LeBrun suggests the Buffalo Sabres and Winnipeg Jets as options for Okposo.
McKenzie believes the Detroit Red Wings could have interest in Nielsen and Ladd. He also doesn’t believe the Colorado Avalanche want to trade defenseman Tyson Barrie, but teams like the Oilers are targeting the blueliner. Dreger said the Avalanche and Anaheim Ducks discussed Gabriel Landeskog and Hampus Lindholm but Ducks GM Bob Murray doesn’t want to move Lindholm. Landeskog and Matt Duchene could be a fit elsewhere as the Avalanche seek a change.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Avalanche GM Joe Sakic insists Barrie isn’t being dealt, but the speculation just won’t go away. In the wake of the PK Subban and Taylor Hall trades, it’s understandable. We must also remember that, around this time last year, Sakic said he wasn’t shopping Ryan O’Reilly before he dealt the center to the Buffalo Sabres. We’ll find out soon enough if history repeats itself. Landeskog’s name popped up yesterday as one to watch in the trade market.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports Lucic is linked to the Oilers, Canucks, Ducks and Dallas Stars…He also notes Barrie and Landeskog are still in the trade rumor mill…It’s possible Nielsen could re-sign with the Islanders…The Avalanche, Canucks and Sabres could show interest in defenseman Patrick Wiercioch…The Panthers and Oilers could also take runs at signing Okposo.
TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran lists defenseman Justin Schultz, forward Joe Colborne, center Linden Vey, right wing Brett Connolly and defenseman Patrick Wiercioch as five “under the radar” free agents who could be worth a shot for clubs seeking affordable depth.
STLTODAY.COM: Kyle Okposo, Andrew Ladd, Milan Lucic, Loui Eriksson or Mikkel Boedker could be Plan B targets for the St. Louis Blues if they fail to re-sign David Backes and Troy Brouwer.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS/NEW YORK POST: Multiple sources insists the New York Rangers are trying to move defensemen Dan Girardi and Marc Staal. The Rangers’ trade plans may have to wait until after the dust settles in free agency. As for their own needs, given their limited cap space, affordable free-agent targets could include Jimmy Vesey (eligible for UFA status on Aug. 15) and MIchael Grabner, along with Darren Helm, Brandon Pirri and Eric Gryba.
NEWSDAY/NEW YORK POST: The Islanders could target Jamie McGinn, Andrew Ladd, Eric Staal, David Backes or Mikkel Boedker.
EDMONTON SUN: Okposo, Eriksson and Ladd could be forward options for the Oilers if they don’t sign Lucic. Defense options could include Russell and James Wisniewski, third-line center choices include Darren Helm and Frans Nielsen, while Al Montoya, Carter Hutton and Joni Ortio could be among the candidates for backup goalie.
DALLAS MORNING NEWS: The Stars have interest in Milan Lucic and Darren Helm for the right price.
TWINCITIES.COM: Kyle Okposo, David Backes and Eric Staal could interest the Minnesota Wild.
ARIZONA SPORTS: The Coyotes have the salary-cap space to make a splash in this summer’s UFA pool. They’re also linked to St. Louis’ Kevin Shattenkirk, Minnesota’s Matt Dumba and Winnipeg’s Jacob Trouba in the trade market.
ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER: The Anaheim Ducks seek a backup goalie and a left wing via free agency. Lucic, Eriksson, Staal and Vanek could be of interest. Finding the right fit within their cap payroll will be a determining factor.
NEW YORK POST: The New Jersey Devils could target Eric Staal, Jiri Hudler and Lee Stempniak.
CALGARY SUN: Brouwer, Hutton, winger Matt Martin, goalie Darcy Kuemper and re-signing forward Joe Colborne could be options for the Flames.
WINNIPEG SUN: Okposo, Colborne, Brandon Pirri, Josh Jooris and Quinton Howden could be targets for the Jets.
OTTAWA SUN: If the Senators make any free-agent signings, it’ll be for depth players. Forwards such as Darren Helm, Dale Weise and perhaps Chris Kelly, along with defensemen like Tom Gilbert, Ben Lovejoy and Yannick Weber could be on their radar.
Stay away from Kris Russell! Don’t know who spreads these rumours!!
TML needs size and shutdown capability… Luke Schenn and Michael Paliotta -UFA from Columbus Blue Jacket are 2 guys I would be targeting for future core of TML defense and a not cost $$$
Rielly – Schenn / Marincin
Gardiner – Zaitsev / Corrado /
Hunwick / Palliota / Carrick
Pretty solid lineup- my opinion only !! Don’t be hating ?
Happy ???? day!! Cheers!!
How about Jamie McGuinn for the Habs? Or boekeder? They need goal scoring.
I think Boedker would be a smart signing for the Habs, or just about anyone unless his price is massive. From what I read though, he isn’t getting nearly as much interest as the other big forwards, but might be the best find amoung them. He is the youngest, plays well in both ends of the ice, and overall maybe the most skilled of the bunch (maybe not as much as Ericksson). He doesnt’ bring the gritty quality that some of the others do, but being younger and playing a less physical brand means you are likely getting more productive years by signing him.
I think the Habs need to pitch to Cambell or Demers. They are all in for the short run after their trades this year, and I don’t really see them as having a strong skating defensemen who can move the puck in their top 4 right now, so I think that’s something they will need to address.
agree on we are lacking pick movers on back end now. What would it take to get Barrie out of Col?
Habs got weber petry and markov on top 4, beaulieu has shown some good puck moving but not consistently, so adding another left hand puck moving defenseman would be good
I am not as down on Kris Russell as some seem to be, I think as long as he is signed to that placeholder kind of deal that will either be easy to shed, or expires in 3 years or less, its adding a piece to fill in for the short term.
Personally the guys I think the leafs should be kicking tires on break into 3 categories. Guys they covet, guys that will fill in and likely have value in a future trade, and bargain bin.
With Stamkos off the market, I think the only player they should really be interested that constitutes that first category is Bodker. Bodker is 26, a good player, and is a pretty sizable asset you can get without giving anything up. I don’t think they should be backing up the money truck, but I have read that he is getting a lot less attention then Okposo, Lucic, Ladd, Brouwer, but I think he can have the impact any of those guys have, and is younger and likely cheaper. If he can be had for less than 5 million on a deal of 4-5 years, I think that needs to be explored.
Place holder guys should be guys like Campbell, Russell, Carle, Jackman, Schenn, Staal, Parenteau, Helm maybe a few others. These players should only be signed if the AAV is reasonable, and term is 3 years or less.
Finally is the value guys. I think guys like Connolly, Shultz, Colborne, Vanek, Pirri, Perron. These guys should be signed 2 years or less on prove something type deals. The idea is they are undervalued, and the downside is minimal, but the upside is that they either rediscover their game and become an asset, or become a trade chip.
The guy who’s name worries is me is Martin. I don’t want to see the Leafs sign a 4th liner to a deal for more than 2 million for longer then 2 seasons. It’s fine if they have interest in him, as he’s a good 4th liner, but still a 4th liner. The problem wouldn’t be the cap, or the term, but it would mean that Dubas voice is likely not being taken seriously, as I don’t think that type of investment in that type of player fits his mold. I was excited when the Leafs seemed to embrace the analytics trend, brought in a guy who has built a team (albeit a junior team) based on value finds, but have been somewhat worried about that being ushered aside since the acquisition of Lou, and being “promoted” away from being a day to day participant in the NHL organization.
I agree with you here Danny. Not sure If I am sold on Boedkar but I like the thoughts overall. The Leafs aren’t compete for a playoff spot this year and it is an ideal time to take a flyer on a couple of project type players who’s value is low.
I personally like Pirri if they can get him on low $ and low term
Couldn’t agree more about Russell – unfortunately I think his value in this market will make him filthy rich (6-7 year deal at $5M+). Boedker is an interesting thought, he’s not someone I would be averse to signing, but the dollars have to make sense (nowhere close to 5-6 million). I thought the Leafs might (should) make a play for Backes, he’s a heart and soul kind of guy, a veteran player who the Leafs could use to mentor their youngsters and would likely take term in exchange for dollars. Something like a 3 year 12 million dollar deal would be good – we can leave him exposed for the expansion draft and/or trade him later if the need exists for something/someone else.
I think Backes would be a nice piece for Toronto. However, That would mean he has resigned himself to end his career not in a cup chase. I’d bet the farm he isn’t signing for less than 5.5-6.5 for any less than 3 years.
I don’t believe any player is going to leave both money and a chance to win now on the table for a mentor role.
Wow, kudos if he can get that kind of money and extended term. I would have thought people would be going 1-2 years tops at that kind of money for Backes, and that as a result he might have to take a haircut (Lou Lamoriello hair policy aside) to get those extra years.
Regardless, I like Brooks Laich but if he can’t perform and put it all on the line there his words will ring hollow. He’s the RA Dickey of the Leafs.
I’m terrified to hear the Leafs are looking at FA D-men though, I hope I’m not the only one…
He turned down 5.5 for 3 years to stay with St. Louis. Personally, I hope Ny doesn’t touch him with a 10 foot pole. He is a little slow footed for today’s game imo.
Either way, at least he and his agent think he’s worth more than St. Louis offered.
5 years, 6 per with Boston, Even richer than I imagined
As a Flames fan in Calgary who watched Russell play every game, he is underrated by many. He moves the puck well and makes smart decisions in his own end, and blocks more shots than any other player in the league. He would be a solid addition to Toronto’s blueline, and he is 29. A term of 3 or 4 years sounds good at $5m per season, and make the decision on him when Matthews and Marner, etc. are getting off of their entry level deals. Seth Jones only got $5.4m a year, Russell surely can’t expect to get any more…
Bees should try and dump some salary and start a young rebuild on the fly. No chance as constituted they will be anything better than an 8 seed
I really hope the Leafs don’t get Fingered this year by signing either one of Demers or Russell… I like our depth at D – we do have a ton of young guys on our back end, but age and or experience doesn’t necessarily make someone a good fit. We need ice time for our young guns (Gardiner, Reilly, Zaitsev, Corrado, Marincin, Carrick etc.) in order for them to develop properly. This is the same way Stralman got pushed out of town, too many overpaid free agents on the blueline to keep our home grown talent.
Absolutely, stick with what you have. Pick up a piece which might have potential and is a low risk signing. Don’t need Kris Russell, much rather bring in Polak at a one or two year deal. Great PK guy and other than those Gaffs in the Finals was fairly solid.
Bingo, I loved Polak as a Leaf, I hated to see him go, he was a steady veteran presence that would rarely hang you out to dry. I’d love to see him back on this blueline.
Hahahaha, I get it…. Fingered! Lmao
Besides Rielly none of those guys are home grown lol they’re all traded or fa, so I fail to see the difference if you can find an upgrade RHD
One down – Helm is off the board
Some teams are going to be fleeced in the next few hours. The prices being talked about are in many cases ludicrous. Kyle Okposo has been an underrated player in this league for a couple of years now. He could not make any US Olympic teams (that’s a joke) and was not thought highly of along with other top wingers in the league. But make him a UFA and he’s now worth 7mill per year plus for 5 or 6 years? Am I missing something? If Okposo is worth 7 million than Stamkos should have gotten 14 million. Others who will be overpaid as soon as their signature is on the paper are Boedker, Backes, Demers, Nielsen, Martin, Lucic and Brouwer. Its crazy!! I think the best value for the big free agents will be Ladd and Erikkson. Everyone enjoy the day……
Hasn’t Thomas Vanek pulled the football away from enough NHL GM’s yet?
Assuming the Oilers sign Lucic and Demers…if they can trade one more of RNH or Eberle for a top 4 D, their 1-18 would be playoff caliber. They can afford to “lose” the deal again, too as they did with Hall/Larsson, they are that stacked up front.
Random spit balling…Sens fans, what about Fleury for Anderson? Have they given up on him yet?
Pens would save $1.5 million to make a few moves to fill out the roster, the Sens get a goalie for the next 5 years and Fleury gets as close to home as he can.
I think the pens will be looking at back ups in the 1-1.5 range. I don’t think they’ll be looking to save 1.5
Don’t save a penny if you can’t move Fleury. Anderson is on the last year of his deal I believe. If not, forget I said it.
Kris Russell led (or second) in the NHL in block shots 2 out of the last 3 seasons . Dallas gave a second and almost a first for him at the trade deadline. Probably was one of the best values for his salary in the league. He will get a raise and be a solid 4/5 D some where .
This is a dangerous off season for the leafs development. If they feel they need to make a signing because they lost out on stamkos, they can set themselves back and on the wrong path again. Do not over pay in free agency.
With teams now building around speed the game has passed Vanek. He would be a good signing for any team at 2-3 million on a 1yr contract based on the prices that have been talked about for career 15-25 goals per year FA’s. Okposo at 7m/yr is outrageous. He’s cracked 30 goals 1x. Lucic at 7m/yr is another contract that someone will eventually regret.
Any idea on whether Cowen will be able to be bought out, or will even having a hearing that might push a decision beyond the buyout window impact the Leafs eligibility to buy him out? If their plan is jeopardized, I’d highly recommend Cowen and his family and friends go in to witness protection; Lamoriello doesn’t mess around…
As I wrote in the other update Habs sign Radulov.
Move Subban due to character issues and sign this guy ?
Bergevin worst GM ever Ha ha ha
Yankee, TSN reported that its a fake Twitter account that reported it as well as the RNH trade.
I hope so, that trade makes no sense for either team!
It could be you’re right Bob. Its all over Twitter, RNH isnt.
Kreider to Edmonton for Rnh, I don’t like this deal unless brassard is on his way out.
That one was from a fake Bob Mackenzie account; as far as I know the Radulov signing is real…
Whewwww, thank god!
So hearing about Lucic to Dallas as a possibility. Not sure how this works, he’ll never be in the first line there as long as JB is around. They have the most expensive goalie tandem and JB needs to be extended. How do you pay Lucic 6M-7M to be a 2nd line player?
I can’t imagine Dallas offering anything more than a realistic chance at the cup and $5.5-$6 and if Lucic were to sign for that why wouldn’t he just sign with LA?
I feel like the Habs are currently an episode of Scooby Doo and any second Shaggy and the gang are going to pull the mask off MB to find out he was really Dave Nonis all along.
Hahaha Jeepers Scoob!
That’s is hilarious Shticky??? or a brilliant signing! Not my $$ so doesn’t matter one iota..
ZOINKS !
Why did u make that deal? Ri don’t row?