NHL Free Agent Update – September 5, 2016

by | Sep 5, 2016



NHL Free Agent Update – September 5, 2016

With training camp approaching, several veterans, such as Alex Tanguay, remain unsigned.

With training camp approaching, several veterans, such as Alex Tanguay, remain unsigned.

 A list of still-unsigned NHL unrestricted free agents, plus an update on Alex Tanguay. 

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Justin Dickie lists defenseman Matt Bartkowski, right wing David Jones, left wing Lauri Korpikoski, defenseman Kyle Quincey, goaltender Karri Ramo, blueliners Kris Russell and Dennis Seidenberg, center Jarret Stoll, left wing Alex Tanguay and defenseman James Wisniewski as 10 unsigned free agents who could still contribute to NHL teams. 

LA PRESSE: Marc-Antoine Godin reports Alex Tanguay’s agent said there are two or three teams interested in his client. The 36-year-old is willing to accept a one-year contract. While some of his peers accept professional tryout offers, Tanguay’s believes netting 35 points in 70 games last season puts him in a position to receive more than a PTO. While Tanguay contacted Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin earlier this summer to express his willingness to return to the Habs, they’re not among those three potential suitors. .  

Meanwhile, the agent for UFA forward Steve Bernier claims no fewer than seven teams had expressed interest in his client. It’s unknown if he’ll a get a one-way, two-way or tryout contract. 

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s tough for those remaining UFAs right now. Whatever leverage they had disappeared followed the opening days of free agency in early July.  They must now wait for teams to clear some salary-cap space, or for positions to open up in training camp. Of those still available, I’d say Russell, Wisniewski, Quincky, Tanguay and Korpikoski are the best of the bunch. 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 11, 2016

by | Aug 11, 2016



NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – August 11, 2016

James Wisniewski signs PTO contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

James Wisniewski signs PTO contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Preseason schedule released, update on James Wisniewski & more in this morning’s NHL headlines. 

NHL.COM: The NHL released its preseason schedule. One of the notable games takes place on Sept. 26, as the Edmonton Oilers will play their first game at Rogers Place in a split-squad matchup against the Calgary Flames. The Los Angeles Kings will play two games at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on Oct. 7 and 8. 

THE GLOBE & MAIL’s James Mirtle took to Twitter to report unrestricted free agent defenseman James Wisniewski signed a professional tryout contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Interesting move by the Lightning, who parted ways earlier this summer with Matt Carle. No guarantee Wisniewski will stick with the Bolts, as they’re pressed for cap space and still have winger Nikita Kucherov and blueliner Nikita Nesterov to re-sign.

There’s talk the Lightning could try to move blueliner Jason Garrison ($4.6 million) or Braydon Coburn ($3.7 million) to free up cap froom for Kucherov and Nesterov, so maybe he could be a replacement for one of them. Then again, perhaps they’re bringing in Wisniewski for training camp depth, while he uses the opportunity to entice a rival club into signing him. Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts, Lightning fans. 

NJ.COM:  The New Jersey Devils signed restricted free agent winger Reid Boucher to a one-year, two-way deal worth $715K.

SPECTOR’S NOTE:  The Devils have now signed all of their restricted free agents. With over $12 million in salary cap space, they’re well-positioned to take on a salary via trade if they wish to boost their roster. 

ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER:  Dwayne Roloson is stepping down as the Anaheim Ducks goalie consultant for personal reasons. 

PHILLY.COM:  The Philadelphia Flyers promoted Chris Pryor to assistant general manager, director of player personnel. 

ESPN.COM: John Saunders, a long-time host on ESPN, died yesterday at age 61. Born in Ajax, Ontario, Saunders was a star defenseman in the 1970s in the Montreal junior leagues. As a broadcaster for ESPN, he cover the NHL, basketball and college football. He was also host of The Sports Reporters.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Saunders’ friends, family and co-workers. He was a well-respected broadcaster and among the best at ESPN.com. He will be missed.