Evan's Daily
Evan’s NHL Daily: Nabokov Report; Guentzel To Tampa; Free Agency Primer
July 1 is a very exciting day in the NHL circles. For years, it was known as the day where GM’s around the league lost their minds. The last few years, that hasn’t really been the case because the salary cap hasn’t moved, but that might change this summer. We’ll find out today what happens, but the best free agents are already off the board. Tampa Bay made their choice and has chosen Jake Guentzel over Steven Stamkos. Meanwhile, Sam Reinhart, as many expected, is staying in Florida. Must be the taxes!
When free agency officially opens, it sounds like the signings will be announced real fast. We’ll list out the top free agents that will be available here, and will be tracking every move when it starts.
Chris MacFarland is expected to meet with the media on Monday to discuss a variety of things. I’m sure Jonathan Drouin, no matter what happens, will be one. I’m interested in finding out if they have a timeline on when Ilya Nabokov will be over in the NHL.
Colorado Hockey Now
Speaking of Nabokov, I spoke to a goaltending scout who discussed his best trait and his greatest concern whenever Nabokov does make his way to the NHL. (+)
Development camp starts on Wednesday, and Nabokov won’t be there. One goalie who will be there is DU’s Matt Davis.
Just some final thoughts before free agency and after NHL Draft weekend.
News And Rumors
The Athletic: The rumors began yesterday, but it all became official on Sunday. Carolina moved his rights for a third round pick to Tampa Bay, and it appears they’re going to sign Jake Guentzel.
Well, he’s younger than Steven Stamkos, but it’ll be interesting to see how this move works out in the locker room. Stamkos was their captain and now they’re (probably) getting rid of him for someone else.
Detroit Hockey Now: I don’t quite understand what Steve Yzerman is doing. After it was widely rumored that he’d be leaving town, the Red Wings managed to get a one-year deal done with Patrick Kane.
I’ll be interested to know what blah defenseman he throws a lot of money at on Monday.
Daily Faceoff: There will be quite a few new free agents on the market, as a handful of interesting players did not get qualifying offers.
We still seem to have no numbers for anything, but Sam Reinhart won’t be hitting the open market.
Hearing the Panthers did get Sam Reinhart signed to a maximum-term eight-year deal before the midnight deadline
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2024
Free Agency Primer
Just like last year, I’ll have a tracker up and running around the start of free agency to keep track of who signed where. It’ll also come with analysis.
Free agency officially opens at 10 AM MST, but it sounds like a lot of the deals are already done, so expect plenty of announcements then.
Here are the top free agents set to hit the market, listed out but not in any particular order…
- D Brandon Montour
- C Elias Lindholm
- W Steven Stamkos
- D Brett Pesce
- W Jonathan Marchessault
- W Tyler Bertuzzi
- C Chandler Stephenson
- W Jake Debrusk
- D Brady Skjei
- D Nikita Zadorov
- W Tuevo Teravainen
- D Matt Roy
- C Sean Monahan
- W Tyler Toffoli
- W Vladimir Tarasenko
- C Adam Henrique
- D Sean Walker
- D Chris Tanev
- W David Perron
- W Anthony Mantha
- W Jonathan Drouin
- W Warren Foegele
- G Laurent Brossoit
- W Viktor Arvidsson
- W Stefan Noesen
- C Alex Wennberg
- D Oliver Ekman-Larsson
- D Matt Dumba
- C Jordan Martinook
- W Connor Brown
- W Yakov Trenin
- D Brenden Dillon
- D Joel Edmundson
- W Jason Zucker
- D Tyson Barrie
There are obviously a lot more than these guys, but as you can see, not the greatest year for to go shopping as an NHL GM with money to spend. We will see if the trade market is active as well. As far as I know, all new clauses were activated at midnight, including Ross Colton’s no-trade clause.