Christmas for NHL general managers has arrived.
Free agency begins Friday at noon ET, and we should see some huge contracts given out to players, many of whom probably will be overpaid.
This year is a bit different because the salary cap didn’t go up much from the 2015-16 campaign, leaving a lot of teams unable to sign the marquee players available. But that’s OK because Stanley Cup titles rarely are won on July 1.
Keep it right here all weekend for the latest rumors, completed deals and news surrounding NHL free agency.
Top 10 players available >>
3:48 p.m.: A low-risk, low-cost signing by the Detroit Red Wings.
Thomas Vanek's one-year deal with #redwings will pay him $2.6M.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2016
3:35 p.m.:Â The Leafs just got tougher, but less skilled.
Matt Martin to TOR. Four years. $2.5M AAV.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2016
3:17 p.m.: That would be a lot of money for Kris Russell.
Vancouver's last offer for Kris Russell is believed to be in excess of $25MM.
— Travis Yost (@travisyost) July 1, 2016
2:35 p.m.: More updates.
https://twitter.com/RealKyper/status/748946638706802688
Joe Colborne has signed with Colorado
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2016
The Lightning have signed goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy to a three-year contract extension. $3.5 per year.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) July 1, 2016
2:27 p.m.: The Washington Capitals add bottom-six forward depth.
Brett Connolly signs a 1 year with Washington for $850,000.
— Gord Miller 🇺🇦 (@GMillerTSN) July 1, 2016
2:21 p.m.: Good value for a Hurricanes team on the rise.
Lee Stempniak, two years, $2.5M AAV, to CAR.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2016
2:07 p.m.: Welcome to the party, Rangers.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/748939411476385792
1:47 p.m.: A couple more deals trickling in.
Hamhuis getting $7.5M over two years from Stars. #Canucks lose him for zip.
— Ben Kuzma 🇺🇦 (@benkuzma) July 1, 2016
The #habs officially announce Alex Radulov's signing for one year.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2016
1:36 p.m.: Some more center depth for Winnipeg.
Shawn Matthias is excited about joining the Winnipeg Jets for the next 2 seasons!
— Rich Evans (@Hockeyagent) July 1, 2016
1:35 p.m.: Great signing for Tampa Bay.
Tampa Bay Lightning announce Victor Hedman has signed an 8-year extension worth $7.875 M per season
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2016
1:25 p.m.: Another goalie off the market.
Canadiens agree to terms on a one-year contract with free agent Al Montoya. DETAILS -> https://t.co/Xjb3h4Z4XQ pic.twitter.com/BwvEODwvVd
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 1, 2016
1:20 p.m.: The Carolina Hurricanes add more forward depth.
Viktor Stalberg 1 yr /$ 1.5M with Carolina Hurricanes.
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) July 1, 2016
1:15 p.m.: The re-tool continues in Edmonton.
Jonas Gustavsson to Edmonton. 1 year.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2016
12:56 p.m.: Interesting observation so far: none of the best UFA defensemen except Brian Campbell have signed.
Doesn't sound like Oilers are in on Demers any longer. Him and Hamhuis best defensemen left.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) July 1, 2016
12:51 p.m.: Where do you think David Backes will play in Boston?
https://twitter.com/NickGossNESN/status/748921723492401152
12:45 p.m.: A lot of money has been spent so far.
$284 million spent in the last 30 minutes, per Sportsnet broadcast. #NHL
— Nicholas W. Goss (@NickGossNBCSB) July 1, 2016
Lovejoy's contract in New Jersey carries a cap hit of $2.66 million.
— Dave Molinari (@MolinariPGH) July 1, 2016
Jamie McGinn has signed with Arizona Coyotes, three years, $10 million
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2016
12:42 p.m.: So, Minnesota has signed Eric Staal and Chris Stewart today.
Chris Stewart to MIN. Two-year deal, $2.3M AAV.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2016
12:37 p.m.: Jake Allen is the present and future of the St. Louis net.
#stlblues announce they've signed Allen to a four-year, $17.4 million contract ($4.35 AAV).
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) July 1, 2016
12:35 p.m.: Calgary adds another goalie.
Chad Johnson to CGY on one year deal.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2016
12:30 p.m.: More blue line depth for the Kings.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/748916250617585666
The Islanders also make a move.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/748917231992442880
12:25 p.m.: The deals keep coming in.
Brouwer, four years, $4.5 million per season, with Flames
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2016
Okposo signs with Buffalo. 7 years, $6 mil aav.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2016
Eric Staal to MIN. 3 years. $3.5M AAV.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2016
12:18 p.m.: A few more updates.
https://twitter.com/NicholsOnHockey/status/748913340370472960
David Backes reportedly to Boston for $6 million per season for five years.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/748913534013022208
12:16 p.m.: Hold on a second.
Scratch that one year deal for Backes to BOS. Backes to BOS. Terms TBA.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2016
12:15 p.m.: A home run deal for the Boston Bruins.
David Backes is going to BOS on a one year deal.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2016
12:12 p.m.: A David Backes update.
Bruins remain the leader for Backes.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) July 1, 2016
12:11 p.m.: Frans Nielsen to the Detroit Red Wings on a five-year deal.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/748911855817469954
12:07 p.m.: More updates.
Milan Lucic has signed with the Edmonton Oilers, source confirms
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2016
Reimer to Panthers 5 yr $3.4 mil per. Confirmed.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2016
Matt Lorito going to DET on two year, two-way deal.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2016
Seven years for Andrew Ladd and Islanders. AAV under $6 million.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) July 1, 2016
UFA @DP_57 has signed a 2 year deal worth 7.75 mil with @StLouisBlues
— Gene Principe (@GenePrincipe) July 1, 2016
12:02 p.m.: And we’re off!
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/748909253679681536
11:56 a.m.: Cam Fowler easily would be the best defenseman on the market if he was a free agent.
Give lack of quality UFA D-men, intrigued seeing where #ducks ship Fowler. Big upside at 24. #wings interested. Wld be good add for #leafs.
— Mike Zeisberger (@zeisberger) July 1, 2016
11:55 a.m.: Bookmark this tweet.
For those hoping for offer sheets, here's a reminder of the compensation: pic.twitter.com/Z2Mipi2Yue
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) July 1, 2016
11:51 a.m.: A five-year deal suggests, at least to me, that James Reimer will be signing with a team for a No. 1 goalie position and not a backup role.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/748906805623812097
11:47 a.m.: General managers often overpay veteran leaders and Jason Chimera should be no exception.
17 teams have interest in Jason Chimera. Not surprised at all. Leader and still a fast skater at 37.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) July 1, 2016
11:40 a.m.: The Boston Bruins are a natural fit for David Backes, but he’ll probably have several suitors.
Looks like David Backes going to market. STL took a run at re-signing him this morning. BOS significant interest in Backes.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2016
11:33 a.m.: A perfect match.
Sounds like #Flyers may be the front-runner of three teams in on Dale Weise.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2016
11:30 a.m.: An interesting update 30 minutes from free agency opening.
With 30 mins until the doors open, some destinations already set. Okposo to BUF, Nielsen to DET, Ladd to #Isles… Maybe Martin to TOR?
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) July 1, 2016
11:20 a.m.:Â A surprisingly smart move by Colorado.
Defenseman Patrick Wiercioch will be signing with the Colorado Avalanche.
— Travis Yost (@travisyost) July 1, 2016
11:03 a.m.: Some good updates here.
Again strong likelihood Ladd goes to the Islanders. Okposo to the Sabres and Eriksson to the Canucks. Confirmation will come after paperwork
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2016
10:50 a.m.: A few more updates.
Hearing the #leafs are kicking tires on James Wisniewski. Right-shot defenceman was bought out by CAR yesterday.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/748890999288500224
Sounds like 4 teams still interested in Eric Staal. And none of them play home games in the Carolinas.
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) July 1, 2016
10:46 a.m.: Not too surprising.
Things can change in a phone call but it doesn't look like any last-second deal coming w/Backes & Blues. I'd expect him to hit market.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) July 1, 2016
10:44 a.m.: This is a steal for the Chicago Blackhawks.
As many have speculated, Brian Campbell has made his decision and it's going to be a return to Chicago. Likely a one-yr deal around $2M
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2016
10:42 a.m.: Eric Staal would be a nice fit in Minnesota.
#mnwild still very much in the mix for Eric Staal
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 1, 2016
10:32 a.m.: A reunion in St. Louis?
Perron could be headed back to #stlblues, according to @Russostrib
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) July 1, 2016
10:25 a.m.: The Russian winger played in the KHL last season.
Alexander Radulov has signed with Montreal.
— Travis Yost (@travisyost) July 1, 2016
10:15 a.m.: The Islanders might have their replacement for Kyle Okposo.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/748883083957399552
Montreal seems to be looking for more ways to downgrade its blue line after the horrible P.K. Subban trade.
The #Habs are one of the team pushing for the defensemen Kris Russell.
— J-F Chaumont (@JFChaumontLNH) July 1, 2016
10:10 a.m.: This certainly is interesting.
Detroit Red Wings showing interest in Alex Radulov.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2016
Also, the Canadiens are out on Milan Lucic.
Sources are telling me Milan Lucic made his choice and it won't be the #canadiens But MTL was an option since the arrival of Shea Weber.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) July 1, 2016
10:05 a.m.: Sharks looking to make moves?
San Jose Sharks looking for a D-man who can play on both sides on third pairing and on second PP unit. Puck mover.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2016
9:57 a.m.: Looks like a few teams missed out on Darren Helm.
He took the discount. Dallas, Boston, Van, Calgary were all very interested. https://t.co/wp8hec2Ix2
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2016
9:50 a.m.: Detroit has plenty of salary cap space.
Red Wings working very hard to get deal done with Darren Helm this morning. It's close.
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) July 1, 2016
9:45 a.m.: Let’s feel bad for these 10 teams. Kris Russell is not a good defenseman.
https://twitter.com/NicholsOnHockey/status/748875594423627776
9:20 a.m.: As I said earlier, Kyle Okposo is going to get PAID.
as per @Renaudlavoie Okposo looking for 7 years/ $7 million per bc he feels there are teams that will give that to him(Buffalo, Detroit?)
— Howard Simon (@hsimon62) July 1, 2016
9:15 a.m.: The Oilers still are a team to watch.
If Oilers were to move Yakupov, Brett Connelly might be an interesting option for them. Offensive upside, but hasn't gotten traction yet.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) July 1, 2016
8:52 a.m.: TSN’s Bob McKenzie in a radio interview doesn’t believe Montreal will land any of the top players.
https://twitter.com/NicholsOnHockey/status/748861599616671745
8:49 a.m.: Kyle Okposo is a good bet to get more money than he probably deserves.
https://twitter.com/NicholsOnHockey/status/748859486442364928
8:45 a.m.: Now-former Bruin Alex Khokhlachev.
https://twitter.com/A_Kalnins/status/748859921337348100
8:33 a.m.: The Canadiens have enjoyed success with Dale Weise in the past, but there are better options out there.
The return of Dale Weise to the Montreal Canadiens is a real possibility. Habs are a strong contender. Hoping to add more character.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2016
8:15 a.m. ET: Let’s start the day with notable rumors and news from Thursday night.
Panthers are also pursuing contract extensions to Huberdeau and Reilly Smith #flapanthers
— Harvey F. (@hfialkov) July 1, 2016
Brian Campbell wants to play in Chicago, don't think Blackhawks have the $. Heard #FlaPanthers offered a little more than Mitchell's deal
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) July 1, 2016
Interest sky high in Milan Lucic. Told that Montreal among the many teams showing interest. Edm, Van, Dallas, etc. No shortage of interest
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 30, 2016
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
