2014 NHL Offseason Thread - Free Agency Starts July 1st (1 Viewer)

[Aaron Rudnicki]

2014 NHL Draft will be June 27-28 in Philadelphia.

Top prospects according to NHL Central Scouting: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=712864

1. Sam Bennett, C

2. Aaron Ekblad, D

3. Sam Reinhart, C

4. Leon Draisatl, C

5. Michael Dal Colle, C

Top picks in the draft:

1. Florida

2. Buffalo

3. Edmonton

4. Calgary

5. NY Islanders

Free agency starts July 1st.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Long offseason for some disappointed Kings fans

 

[IC FBGCav]

Free agency? Draft? Hell, my team doesn't even have a coach yet. Guess they are waiting for Ulf.

 

[Zegras11]

Ducks have 9 and 27. Should they move up or is draft deep enough?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Ducks have 9 and 27. Should they move up or is draft deep enough?

draft doesn't seem very deep this year.

 

[chet]

Anyone have a list of big name free agents?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Anyone have a list of big name free agents?

http://www.capgeek.com/free-agents/

Vanek

Stastny

Gaborik

Iginla

Callahan

Moulson

Boyle

Markov

Miller

Hiller

 

[IC FBGCav]

Jim Rutherford the new Pens GM.

Rutherford is the only GM I known for the Canes, it will be interesting to see how he does there with much more talent.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/isles-deal-for-dan-boyle-wont-pan-out-unless-they-wildly-over-compensate-him/

It’s accurate to say the Islanders weren’t at the top of Boyle’s destination list as the former Sharks and Lightning blueliner looked toward unrestricted free agency this summer. The soon-to-be-38-year-old has entered the stage of an NHLer’s career where, in terms of priorities, money is a distant second behind the opportunity to win (he’s earned more than $54 million during his 14-year-career). Although the Isles have a number of players any NHLer would want to play alongside, nobody believes they’ll be in position to seriously contend for a Stanley Cup. And in a UFA market that’s thin on veteran D-men, he’ll still have a number of suitors (including, perhaps, the Bolts) for his services.

So, why would he agree to play on Long Island? Good question.

 

[Hawks64]

 

[Bill Brasky]

Wild sign Liiga scoring leader Michael Keranen

 

[IC FBGCav]

Word is Bylsma is fired. JR didn't even have the presser yet, man he works fast.

 

[Billy Bats]

:hockeypuck:

 

[Copeman]

 

[Billy Bats]

Wang reportedly sells team to a Philly lawyer.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/report-new-york-islanders-sold-to-philadelphia-lawyer/

.

 

[Hawks64]

Rumors are Hawks are actively shopping Leddy/Oduya (one or the other not both) and Sharp is on the table as well. Not sure I buy the Sharp rumor. Hawks want to get stronger down the middle and with Saad's emergence maybe the thinking is if Sharp can bring in a #2 C they do that....not sure I agree with it or not.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Rumors are Hawks are actively shopping Leddy/Oduya (one or the other not both) and Sharp is on the table as well. Not sure I buy the Sharp rumor. Hawks want to get stronger down the middle and with Saad's emergence maybe the thinking is if Sharp can bring in a #2 C they do that....not sure I agree with it or not.

Sharp for Kesler?

would save them a little money to help with extensions for Kane and Toews. not sure Couver does that though as Sharp is 3 years older with 1 more year on his deal. probably doesn't fit if they are going with a rebuild.

 

[Bill Brasky]

Rumors are Hawks are actively shopping Leddy/Oduya (one or the other not both) and Sharp is on the table as well. Not sure I buy the Sharp rumor. Hawks want to get stronger down the middle and with Saad's emergence maybe the thinking is if Sharp can bring in a #2 C they do that....not sure I agree with it or not.

I could see Koivu being shopped with the emergence of Granlund and Haula along with Coyle's natural position at center. Wild would have to eat up to $1MM a year off that salary though. I don't think they will move him, hard to give up a center in this league because they are so valuable. but it's possible with him starting to slow down after several ankle injuries the past few years.

 

[Hawks64]

Rumors are Hawks are actively shopping Leddy/Oduya (one or the other not both) and Sharp is on the table as well. Not sure I buy the Sharp rumor. Hawks want to get stronger down the middle and with Saad's emergence maybe the thinking is if Sharp can bring in a #2 C they do that....not sure I agree with it or not.

Sharp for Kesler?

would save them a little money to help with extensions for Kane and Toews. not sure Couver does that though as Sharp is 3 years older with 1 more year on his deal. probably doesn't fit if they are going with a rebuild.

And their new GM doesn't want to move Kesler. Wants him to be a part of the rebuild....but if he's as for playing with Kane as Kane is with him who knows. I would love it but I think it's more of a pipedream.

 

[Hawks64]

Rumors are Hawks are actively shopping Leddy/Oduya (one or the other not both) and Sharp is on the table as well. Not sure I buy the Sharp rumor. Hawks want to get stronger down the middle and with Saad's emergence maybe the thinking is if Sharp can bring in a #2 C they do that....not sure I agree with it or not.

I could see Koivu being shopped with the emergence of Granlund and Haula along with Coyle's natural position at center. Wild would have to eat up to $1MM a year off that salary though. I don't think they will move him, hard to give up a center in this league because they are so valuable. but it's possible with him starting to slow down after several ankle injuries the past few years.

I really doubt much will occur between the West teams especially within the Central.

 

[Northern Voice]

Sam Bennett did 0 pull ups at the combine...

If anyone has questions about the OHL draft prospects (Ekblad/Bennett/Dal Colle/Ritchie/Perlini/McKeown/HoSang/Fabbri/McCann), I've seen them all a bunch, especially those first 6.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Ekblad, Reinhart seem like a clear top 2

 

[Northern Voice]

Ekblad, Reinhart seem like a clear top 2

I would take Ekblad ahead of any other OHL guy. Bennett will be fine, but shouldn't be in the discussion for #1 overall, IMO.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I'll be upset if the Sabres take Bennett I think. If the Panthers take Reinhart (which I think is unlikely right now ) I think Buffalo should take Ekblad and / or deal.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

seems like there's a decent chance Subban could get a huge offer sheet from some team out there.

also seems like Florida is looking to trade the #1 overall pick.

 

[Boston]

Marchand for Marleau rumor making the rounds...

http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2014/06/is_a_brad_marchand-patrick_marleau_deal_in_the_works.html?p1=Topopage:Carousel_sub_headline

 

[Billy Bats]

Flyers re-sign Kimmo Timonen for one more go-round at 2m plus some bonuses. There was talk he would hang them up, glad he's back for another year. Cheap cap hit and bridging the gap until the young dmen come up. Solid, steady if unspectacular dman.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Marchand for Marleau rumor making the rounds...

http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2014/06/is_a_brad_marchand-patrick_marleau_deal_in_the_works.html?p1=Topopage:Carousel_sub_headline

I thought Marleau was older than he actually is, but still not sure it's wise for the Bs to swap out a 25yo guy for a 33yo.

 

[Dickie Dunn]

Marchand for Marleau rumor making the rounds...

http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2014/06/is_a_brad_marchand-patrick_marleau_deal_in_the_works.html?p1=Topopage:Carousel_sub_headline

I thought Marleau was older than he actually is, but still not sure it's wise for the Bs to swap out a 25yo guy for a 33yo.

Plus, Marleau is a center. Where is he going to play?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Marchand for Marleau rumor making the rounds...

http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2014/06/is_a_brad_marchand-patrick_marleau_deal_in_the_works.html?p1=Topopage:Carousel_sub_headline

I thought Marleau was older than he actually is, but still not sure it's wise for the Bs to swap out a 25yo guy for a 33yo.

Plus, Marleau is a center. Where is he going to play?

I thought he played a lot of wing on Thornton's line?

still, would be good shtick to dump Seguin because there's no room for him as a top-2 C and then trade for a 33yo top-2 C

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Rumors are Hawks are actively shopping Leddy/Oduya (one or the other not both) and Sharp is on the table as well. Not sure I buy the Sharp rumor. Hawks want to get stronger down the middle and with Saad's emergence maybe the thinking is if Sharp can bring in a #2 C they do that....not sure I agree with it or not.

Sharp for Kesler?

would save them a little money to help with extensions for Kane and Toews. not sure Couver does that though as Sharp is 3 years older with 1 more year on his deal. probably doesn't fit if they are going with a rebuild.

And their new GM doesn't want to move Kesler. Wants him to be a part of the rebuild....but if he's as for playing with Kane as Kane is with him who knows. I would love it but I think it's more of a pipedream.

There's no rebuild pieces if Kesler doesn't get traded for younger players; Canucks just don't have the young talent at the moment. Would love to see Edler get traded, but they'd be selling low and doubt they'd get all that much back for him. One of the Dmen making $4+mil need to be traded this offseason anyway.

 

[Boston]

Marchand for Marleau rumor making the rounds...

http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2014/06/is_a_brad_marchand-patrick_marleau_deal_in_the_works.html?p1=Topopage:Carousel_sub_headline

I thought Marleau was older than he actually is, but still not sure it's wise for the Bs to swap out a 25yo guy for a 33yo.

Plus, Marleau is a center. Where is he going to play?

I thought he played a lot of wing on Thornton's line? still, would be good shtick to dump Seguin because there's no room for him as a top-2 C and then trade for a 33yo top-2 C

Seguin was not traded due to his position...

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Seguin was not traded due to his position...

that's not what we've been told by Boston homers around here.

reasons people defend the trade:

1. there was no room to give him playing time because he was clearly behind Bergeron and Krejci at C and couldn't play the wing.

2. he liked to stay out late partying and didn't fully buy into Claude's defense first system.

 

[Dickie Dunn]

Seguin was not traded due to his position...

that's not what we've been told by Boston homers around here.

reasons people defend the trade:

1. there was no room to give him playing time because he was clearly behind Bergeron and Krejci at C and couldn't play the wing.

2. he liked to stay out late partying and didn't fully buy into Claude's defense first system.

These are not really opposing viewpoints.

 

[Boston]

Seguin was not traded due to his position...

that's not what we've been told by Boston homers around here.reasons people defend the trade:

1. there was no room to give him playing time because he was clearly behind Bergeron and Krejci at C and couldn't play the wing.

2. he liked to stay out late partying and didn't fully buy into Claude's defense first system.

Maybe I missed it but I never hear reason #1 for the deal...it is all #2...his off-ice maturity is very well known...it was no secret he was partying hard and wasn't making great decisions (yes, he is young but he was pretty open with what he was doing...outside of Aaron Hernandez there aren't many secrets in Boston)...no question he has a boatload of talent and if he matures he will be a long-term stud...as for the system he is not a fit for Julien's style of play...for that I really don't blame either side...it is what it is...Claude likes to play a certain way and it doesn't really fit what Seguin's strengths are...since Claude isn't going anywhere something was bound to give and with Seguin's off-ice antics I think the B's decided a divorce made sense sooner rather than later...

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Seguin was not traded due to his position...

that's not what we've been told by Boston homers around here. reasons people defend the trade:1. there was no room to give him playing time because he was clearly behind Bergeron and Krejci at C and couldn't play the wing.2. he liked to stay out late partying and didn't fully buy into Claude's defense first system.

Maybe I missed it but I never hear reason #1 for the deal...it is all #2...his off-ice maturity is very well known...it was no secret he was partying hard and wasn't making great decisions (yes, he is young but he was pretty open with what he was doing...outside of Aaron Hernandez there aren't many secrets in Boston)...no question he has a boatload of talent and if he matures he will be a long-term stud...as for the system he is not a fit for Julien's style of play...for that I really don't blame either side...it is what it is...Claude likes to play a certain way and it doesn't really fit what Seguin's strengths are...since Claude isn't going anywhere something was bound to give and with Seguin's off-ice antics I think the B's decided a divorce made sense sooner rather than later...

You should read more Dickie DunnHe already is a stud. Was top 5 in league scoring this year.

 

[kupcho1]

Jim Rutherford the new Pens GM.

Rutherford is the only GM I known for the Canes, it will be interesting to see how he does there with much more talent.

Horrible choice by the PensAlso, extremely classless to leave Bylsma hanging for weeks. He's had several calls already and will be coaching somewhere next year.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Jim Rutherford the new Pens GM.

Rutherford is the only GM I known for the Canes, it will be interesting to see how he does there with much more talent.

Horrible choice by the PensAlso, extremely classless to leave Bylsma hanging for weeks. He's had several calls already and will be coaching somewhere next year.

Welcome to Florida, Dan!

 

[Dickie Dunn]

Seguin was not traded due to his position...

that's not what we've been told by Boston homers around here. reasons people defend the trade:1. there was no room to give him playing time because he was clearly behind Bergeron and Krejci at C and couldn't play the wing.2. he liked to stay out late partying and didn't fully buy into Claude's defense first system.

Maybe I missed it but I never hear reason #1 for the deal...it is all #2...his off-ice maturity is very well known...it was no secret he was partying hard and wasn't making great decisions (yes, he is young but he was pretty open with what he was doing...outside of Aaron Hernandez there aren't many secrets in Boston)...no question he has a boatload of talent and if he matures he will be a long-term stud...as for the system he is not a fit for Julien's style of play...for that I really don't blame either side...it is what it is...Claude likes to play a certain way and it doesn't really fit what Seguin's strengths are...since Claude isn't going anywhere something was bound to give and with Seguin's off-ice antics I think the B's decided a divorce made sense sooner rather than later...

You should read more Dickie DunnHe already is a stud. Was top 5 in league scoring this year.

I don't think No. 1 was the biggest reason for the deal, but I also think it made it easier for the Bruins to resolve in their minds that they should trade him because of No. 2.

I really wish Seguin could have worked out, because he certainly is a talent. All I am saying is that I can completely understand why the Bruins made the move they did, and I don't think they got "fleeced" with what they got back from Dallas.

 

[Raider Nation]

Reports surfacing that the Montreal Canadiens have given Michel Terrien a four-year contract extension.

 

[AcerFC]

Sad dot

 

[zamboni]

Sad dot

On top of losing in the Finals, Rangers are going to have some challenges keeping the team together.

Richards will likely be bought out, but Stralman and Boyle in particular just made themselves quite a bit of coin.

Not to mention that Zucc, Brassard, Moore and Krieder are all RFAs and are going to cost some bucks.

 

[Billy Bats]

Sad dot

On top of losing in the Finals, Rangers are going to have some challenges keeping the team together.

Richards will likely be bought out, but Stralman and Boyle in particular just made themselves quite a bit of coin.

Not to mention that Zucc, Brassard, Moore and Krieder are all RFAs and are going to cost some bucks.

They're 17m under the cap, plus Richards possible 6m and I think they're in pretty good shape.

I think the Flyers take a shot at signing Pouilot, not sure that's a big loss for NY.

 

[zamboni]

Sad dot

On top of losing in the Finals, Rangers are going to have some challenges keeping the team together.

Richards will likely be bought out, but Stralman and Boyle in particular just made themselves quite a bit of coin.

Not to mention that Zucc, Brassard, Moore and Krieder are all RFAs and are going to cost some bucks.

They're 17m under the cap, plus Richards possible 6m and I think they're in pretty good shape.

I think the Flyers take a shot at signing Pouilot, not sure that's a big loss for NY.

Agreed - they should be in good shape, but with a lot of the aforementioned guys proving themselves on the big stage, some of them are going to be offered big money elsewhere.

Keep hearing Paul Statsny's name as a Rangers' potential target.

 

[AcerFC]

I expect Pouliet to stay. I think Stralman is gone since he already rejected an initial offer

Boyle played himself to a nice contract. He is better than Prust and Prust got a ridiculous contract.

They need to sign zuc and Brassard to 3-4 years each. I would like to see moore stay and think he could play top 4 minutes despite not being great in the final.

Kreider is a no brainier. He is a legit top 6 guy, plus I just bought his jersey with cup patch so he needs to stay

I would love Statsny but from what I read, it's not a real possibility. Lets sign our guys first then worry about FAs IMO

 

[gmbacm]

.

 

[Billy Bats]

I expect Pouliet to stay. I think Stralman is gone since he already rejected an initial offer

Do you remember the offer that Stralman rejected?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I expect Pouliet to stay. I think Stralman is gone since he already rejected an initial offer

Do you remember the offer that Stralman rejected?

reported as a 3-year, $9MM deal. I think he'll do better than that on the open market for sure.

 

[Jules Winnfield]

I expect Pouliet to stay. I think Stralman is gone since he already rejected an initial offer

Do you remember the offer that Stralman rejected?

Wasn't it 3/9M?

 

[Billy Bats]

Thanks fellas, just wanted an idea on what he possible contract number might be.