The NHL is always exciting with news coming as fast as shots off the stick of Alex Ovechkin. Here is some of the latest happenings to keep you on top of all the action.
Islanders Head Home
It is now official, the New York Islanders will play this season’s playoffs and all of next season at the Old Barn. It look’s like the days of the offside scoreboard in Brooklyn have ended.
Two Big UFA D-Men
Alex Pietrangelo (STL) and Torey Krug (BOS) were not traded at the deadline which is always a risk that they can walk away for nothing. Should their respective teams fail to sign them by the draft, expect their rights to be moved for picks.
LeBrun expects whatever offers Pietrangelo and Krug receive from their respective teams will be less than what they can get on the open market on July 1. He thinks the Blues could offer Pietrangelo something comparable to the eight-year, $64-million contract John Carlson signed with the Washington Capitals. The Bruins, meanwhile, could be reluctant to pay Krug more than teammates David Pastrnak ($6.6 million AAV) and Patrice Bergeron ($6.875 million).
Spector’s Hockey
Top 3 UFA’s
We will be talking about Free Agency a lot going forward as well as the draft. Here are 3 UFA’s that will be the prizes of the summer:
- Taylor Hall – this C/LW will be the top prize of Free Agent Frenzy if he gets there. During the trade deadline Pierre Lebrun mentioned that the Coyotes were working hard on a new deal and it is likely to get done. Well, until it is signed he will be at the top of the list. Now who can afford the expected $10-11M price tag?
- Tyson Barrie – His name popped up late during the trade deadline and it looks like Toronto is going to move on from what could be an $8M asking price. Defensive issues aside he can score 50 points with his eyes closed. Right-handed defensemen are always at a premium.
- Mike Hoffman – is an interesting forward who has a bit of a bad reputation (fair or unfair) dating back to his time in Ottawa. The guy can score goals and I assure you someone will give up a decent pick to get his rights early to negotiate for their goal starved club. I can totally see the Islanders in on Hoffman.
