The Latest NHL Buzz
The Red Light newsletter from The Athletic brings fans the latest buzz in the NHL and the flurry of player movement that has unfolded since the last update. With the free agency window looming and a slew of transactions occurring, there’s much to cover this week—especially for those who might have taken a break during the recent long weekend.
Notable Trades and Signings
- A significant development is brewing between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights as they negotiate a sign-and-trade involving Mitch Marner’s unrestricted free agent rights. Nicolas Roy is rumored to be part of the transaction, but complications have arisen due to tampering allegations.
- In another blockbuster move, the New York Islanders have acquired star defenseman Noah Dobson from the Montreal Canadiens, sending two first-round picks and Emil Heineman in return. Following the trade, Dobson inked an impressive eight-year deal with an average annual value of $9.5 million, marking a major commitment for the Islanders.
- It’s also worth mentioning that playoff standout Sam Bennett has decided to remain in Florida with the Panthers, agreeing to an eight-year deal valued at $8 million per season, a move seen as him opting to prioritize fun over money.
- Franchise player John Tavares did his part to ease Toronto’s salary cap situation by agreeing to a hometown discount—signing for four years at $4.38 million annually. This deal might allow the 34-year-old to solidify his legacy with the Leafs’ all-time games played record, should he maintain his health.
- The Maple Leafs have successfully signed restricted free agent Matthew Knies to a six-year agreement with a $7.75 million cap hit, circumventing the prospect of offer sheets.
- Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings have bolstered their roster by trading for goaltender John Gibson, sending Petr Mrazek along with two draft picks to Anaheim. Rumors suggest Detroit may not be finished making moves as they eye further enhancements in the coming days.
- The Columbus Blue Jackets took on contracts for underperforming forwards Charlie Coyle and Miles Woods from the Avalanche in a trade, helping Colorado alleviate its cap issues while also securing second and third-round picks in the deal.
- Claude Giroux has opted for continuity, resigning with the Ottawa Senators on a one-year deal with a base salary of $2 million, supplemented by performance bonuses.
- Defenseman Dante Fabbro has also committed to staying in Columbus, signing a four-year deal at a $4.125 million average annual value, making him one of the remaining top unrestricted free agent defensemen.
- Additionally, the Edmonton Oilers extended bottom-six forward Trent Frederic on an eight-year contract, worth $3.85 million per year, a surprise considering his modest scoring output last season.
Bonus action came late last night with the Vegas Golden Knights trading Nicolas Hague to the Nashville Predators, where he landed a four-year contract worth $5.5 million annually to strengthen their blue line.
Looking Ahead
Beyond these transactions, the upcoming free agency period is expected to be bustling. It begins at noon ET on Tuesday, and we will be providing live updates through Wednesday. The anticipation surrounding player movements adds an exhilarating layer to the NHL this time of year.
In other news, the Islanders emerged from the draft lottery as winners, taking first overall pick Matthew Schaefer, which is a significant victory for general manager Mathieu Darche. Beyond the top pick, the team’s overall draft performance received high praise, with our resident expert grading them an A+.
Other franchises like the Flyers, Sharks, Predators, and Mammoth also garnered commendable ratings. However, some teams, including the Avalanche, Devils, and Oilers, were noted at the lower end of the spectrum.
Looking ahead, if Mitch Marner secures a UFA deal worth over $100 million come July 1, he would join a very exclusive group within the NHL, as only seven players have signed contracts of such magnitude during the salary cap era. This raises intriguing questions about the strategies employed by teams, particularly regarding the Golden Knights’ salary management.
As we gear up for what promises to be an exciting free agency frenzy, anticipation grows for the directions teams will take to improve their roster. The pressure is on for GMs to navigate these challenges effectively in a highly competitive environment. Stay tuned for further updates and insights as the action unfolds!
