Most of the big names have signed their deals and are currently working on the logistics of moving to their new cities, but a few impact players are still left to be signed. Why are they still out there and where will they sign?
Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci – These two are in a bit of an unique position. If they come back, they’re only coming back to one team – the Boston Bruins. There are two questions they face – 1. do they want to play? 2. Can Boston make it work financially. The Bruins have just over $6 million in cap space, but they have to sign RFA’s Jeremy Swayman and Trent Frederic.
Patrick Kane – His trade to the Rangers at the deadline didn’t light the world on fire. He’s also recovering from hip surgery. Still, he could be a cheap offensive upgrade in the second half of the season for a contender. He may wait until after the season begins to sign with a team.
Matthew Dumba – The best defender left on the list is may be waiting for some contenders to clear cap space before signing. He didn’t have the best season last year, but he would be able to fill a top pairing for most teams in the league.
Vlad Tarasenko – Another New York Ranger deadline pick-up is still looking for a new team. Although, maybe not for much longer as it’s being reported he may be signing in Carolina. There was some rumbling that Tampa may have been a fit for him on a one-year deal, but that doesn’t look like it will come to fruition.
Alex Stalock – If a team still needs a number one goaltender, they’re probably going to have to trade for one at this point. Stalock had a nice season at points for the Florida Panthers, but it’s unlikely he did enough to earn the top spot between the pipes for a team. John Gibson, Connor Hellebuyck, Carter Hart, and both of the Boston goaltenders have all been rumored to be on the block.
Teams are re-evaluating their rosters and cap situations after the initial flurry of signings so it could be a while until some of these players sign. Other teams, like the Lightning, are also starting to focus on their own restricted free agents that need contracts. The deadline for players to elect salary arbitration is Wednesday and teams may want to avoid having to go through that process.
Once those dates are set, and teams have an idea of what it might cost them if they “lose” in arbitration, they will know what they have left over for free agents.
Lightning / NHL News
Victor Hedman Goal of the Year [Raw Charge]
Big Vic finally picked up his first shorthanded goal. That was a highlight.
Isaac Howard still aims to stand out in a crowd [Tampa Bay Times]
In his second development camp, Howard is looking to show the Lightning coaching staff that he is ready to be a leader. He’s also hoping a transfer to Michigan State and a reunion with his US NDTP coach, Adam Nightingale, will get him back to his scoring ways after a rough freshman season.
Duke brothers go from collegiate rivals to teammates [NHL.com]
“It’s definitely really special,” Tyler said. “Tampa obviously reached out, and there were a couple other teams I could have gone to, but I decided that this would be pretty special to come here and put on an NHL jersey with my brother.
Gage Goncalves hits the Bird App for an AMA [Twitter]
Gage is “Team Not a Sandwich” in the great hot dog debate.
Following trade, Maroon turns page on Lightning [Tampa Bay Times]
When Maroon got the call from Julien BriseBois he was sitting at dinner with someone who had been through the same process just a year ago, Ryan McDonagh.
Detroit Red Wings place Filip Zadina on waivers [Detroit Free Press]
A year after signing him to a three-year contract, Steve Yzerman has put former first-round pick Filip Zadina on waivers.
Richard Panik signs with HC Ocelari Trinec in the Czech Extraliga [hcocelai.cz]
Old friend Richard Panik is going home again. Panik, a 2009 second-round pick by the Lightning, is returning to the team he played for as a teenager as he signed a deal with HC Ocelari Trinec.
Five worst day one deals [The Athletic]
The Lightning didn’t make the list, but one of their old players did. Not only did they make the list, they topped it – Alex Killorn.
“It’s a tough bet to make and while Killorn will be a great locker-room presence and should help the team’s culture, his on-ice ability is likely to wane immediately as he goes further into his 30s.”
