NHL free agency open thread/live blog
Well, free agency is upon us. The Rangers don’t have much cap space to work with, as they still need to get Derek Stepan, Emerson Etem, J.T. Miller, and Jesper Fast under contract. When those four are signed, the Rangers will have 11 forwards and 6 defensemen, meaning they need a pair of forwards and a defenseman to fill out the roster.
That’s not to say they will go after free agents to fill those spots. It looks like the Rangers want to keep Matt Hunwick around as the 7D, who was pretty solid in that role last year. There are also a few kids –Brady Skjei, Dylan McIlrath, Oscar Lindberg, Ryan Bourque– vying for NHL spots next year. The holes in the roster may be filled by these kids, or they may be filled by a depth signing.
My guess is that the Rangers will look to add one depth forward via free agency on a one-year deal. Someone like Mike Santorelli or Shawn Horcoff, depending on price, are intriguing. Tomas Fleischmann is also a decent option.
Use this as your open thread for the day. Becky will be updating this with all signings across the league during the afternoon, and I will be back at night to do the night cap. There will be a blackout with no updates between 4:30-6pm EST.
- Yesterday, Brandon Saad went to Columbus for Artem Anisimov, Marko Dano, Jeremy Morin, Corey Tropp and a fourth-round pick.
- Also yesterday, Kevin Bieksa went to Anaheim for a 2nd round pick.
- Francois Beauchemin signs with Colorado on a three-year deal.
- Matt Hunwick signs with Toronto to a two-year, $2.4M deal.
- Mike Ribiero re-signs with Nashville to a two-year deal.
- Mikael Granlund re-signs with Minnesota to a two-year deal.
- Karri Ramo re-signs with Calgary to a one-year, $3.8M deal.
- Mark Letestu signs with Edmonton.
- Phil Kessel traded to Pittsburgh for F Kasperi Kapanen, D Scott Harrington and a first- and a third-round pick. Toronto will also eat 15% of Kessel’s salary.
- Barrett Jackman to Nashville
- Michael Frolik signs with Calgary to a 5-year, 21.5M deal.
- Jori Lehtera signs a 3-year extension in St. Louis worth $12.3M.
- Michal Neuvirth signs a two-year deal with Philadelphia worth $3.25M.
- Lauri Korpikoski went to Edmonton for Boyd Gordon, this happened yesterday.
- Jhonas Enroth signs a one-year deal with Los Angeles for $1.25M.
- Rafael Diaz signs with the Rangers to a one-year, $700k deal.
- Matt Lindblad and Jayson Megna sign with the Rangers.
- Cody Hodgson signs to a one-year deal in Nashville.
- Andrej Sekera signs with Edmonton to a six-year deal with an AAV of $5.5M.
- Vancouver trades Zack Kassian to Montreal for Brandon Prust and a fifth-round pick.
- John Moore signs with New Jersey for three years, $4.8M.
- Paul Martin signs a four-year deal with San Jose.
- P.A. Parenteau signs a one-year deal with Toronto.
- Viktor Stalberg signs with the Rangers for one year, $1.1M.
- Ruslan Fedotenko signs with Minnesota on a two-way deal.
- Richard Panik re-signs with Toronto for a one-year deal.
- Mike Kostka signs with Ottawa on a two-way deal.
- Mike Green signs with Detroit to a 3-year deal worth $18M.
- Matt Beleskey goes to Boston on a five year deal at a $3.18 million cap hit.
- Daniel Winnik re-signs in Toronto on a two-year deal.
- The Rangers trade a 2017 6th round pick to Nashville for goalie Magnus Hellberg.
- Big one: Bruins trade Reilly Smith and Marc Savard to Florida for Jimmy Hayes.
- Antoine Vermette goes back to Arizona, two years at $3.75 million per season. He gets a NMC too.
- Gregory Campbell goes to Columbus.
Based on this tweet by Brooks it appears that Hunwick may not be coming back https://twitter.com/NYP_Brooksie/status/615965337939505152
$1.2m is a lot for a 7D. Diaz is cheaper.
If nothing else we go for one forward to fill in hole, but he has to be cheap, like Santorelli. I really don’t think Bourque is the answer???????????
The trade for Sadd made a statement for both teams. The Hawks said we are not overpaying, Columbus said we are serious about trying for a cup run.
This should be a wake up call for Stepan, don’t push your luck, you may be shown the door !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rumor has it Saad told the Blackhawks he was going to sign an offer sheet and this is what prompted the trade.
I didn’t know, or hear that but the Hawks could have chosen to match it but opted to trade him and not over pay!!
Salary cap Walt. They are in cap hell, hence why Saad was dealt.
Meh, I don’t really buy that. They needed cap space, and he brought back a good haul.
I don’t see how this is a message to Stepan. The Hawks needed to deal Saad, they are in a huge cap crunch. The Rangers have the room to sign Stepan at $6m since they dealt Hagelin.
I see where Laurie Korpikowski was dealt to Edmonton. Didn’t Donnie Maloney label him “a sure thing” when we drafted him? You just never know.
The 2004 draft was a little rough. Other than Mike Green in the 1st round, there weren’t many after Korpo that were solid NHLers.
As we are still CAP-strapped, it is decision time. We can’t do much without a contract going the other way. Slats, your on the clock. Are we better in 2015-16 with the guys we have, or do you try to move a contract?
Not really cap strapped, they can get the guys they need under contract.
As of today, I think the team is worse today than last year. But they can make some moves to make the team better.
Woah, totally forgot this was today. Good for Artie to get back on a good team. I always really liked him and thought, if he was in the right system, he could excel and be a good NHL player.
CBJ is going to be very good next year. They were destroyed by injuries last year. They should make the playoffs next year.
To reiterate from yesterday…. I’m underwhelmed by the return for Saad
Marko Dano’s the key piece going to Chicago. Smart, fast, fearless: like Zucc, albeit with less flair, creativity.
He’ll thrive in that environ. Bowman, Coach Q. and company couldn’t help but notice him in one game at The United Center where he was the best player Columbus suited up.
Dano is the key to this one. If he turns into a solid player, then it’s a wash.
Appears MSL was disruptive to the teal in the playoffs…Any truth to that folks?
I think we will see a few more big trades today
Will be interesting to see who the Rangers target
teal? you mean team?
Source?
http://snyrangersblog.com/2014-15/2014-15-players/marty-st-louis/was-marty-st-louis-a-problem-in-the-locker-room-during-the-playoffs/
Weird.
sny
Gotcha….. that site I like for quick updates – it posts articles up every hour or so.
But as far as content, I liken it to high school gossip more so than valuable information.
SNY is pretty terrible, but this was citing a Pittsburgh article. I don’t really know though, sounds like baseless rumors.
This is the first I’m hearing of it, but always be mindful of stuff like this. He got a rap with the TBL stuff, and it could just be baseless crap made up.
Artie signed a new contract extension, good for him. Always liked him.
“Center Artem Anisimov will sign a five-year, $22.75 million contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, TSN reported Wednesday.”
^$4.55 cap hit for a 27yo UFA who will most likely be playing 2C. I guess offensively he hasn’t done all to much at this level. Right now he’s a 40-45 pt guy. Career high was 22 goals in 13-14.
Given the rest of the salary CHI took on, I’m surprised why they decided to move Saad. It seems like afford him…able to… they may have been…
Saad wanted fought 1.5 mil a year more than Artie got. That doesn’t seem like a lot of money, but Chicago is penny-pinching.
Anisimov, if he’s healthy, will put up good numbers in Chicago. Big if, but he’s certainly got the talent. Richards put up solid numbers there.
Winnik, Santorelli, Riley Nash would be cheap options at forward. Bring back Raph Diaz or make room for McIlrath!
Nailed it with that Diaz call, eh.
Santorelli. Simply for the fact we need another Italian in the lineup. (Zucc’s but half.)
Solid call.
I know I’m going to get bashed for this, but here it goes….gulp.
As for signing depth forwards for cheap…I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to get Richie back here. If the price and the length of the contract is right, as it should be, I don’t see why not.
He looked great in the playoffs, especially in the finals, and in my eyes, he stood out to me many times.
Yes, of course I’m biased as he’s been one of my favorite players in the league, as many of you know.
Believe me guys, I know that one of the downsides to signing him is his position in particular, because should a kid like Oscar Lindberg look good in camp, Richie may be a hinderence….Guess I’m just thinking out loud, but man I’d live to see him back.
Walt, please don’t yell at me too much for this 🙂
Rob, here is my best Walt impression:
Retreads??????????? Not interested!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Coach Walt has Lindberg making the team this year and he’s got a pretty good track record on these kids so far so I’m just going to assume that Oscar becomes one of the missing forwards.
Richie not so much .. wish him well!
Hahaha!!!! That’s awesome Hatrick! I love it lol!
I had to laugh as well, am I that predictable??
close, but not there yet !!!!!!
u da man, Walt
No you’re not that predictable Walt, just on certain issues :-).
This place wouldn’t be the same without ya!
we are all on the same page, Ranger success, and a few laughs !!!!
Hatrick at least on the questions marks, and exclamation points down pat …….
The price won’t be right. He’ll get a raise from last season… over 3 million… don’t have that kind of cap space
That’s what I was thinking as well Rob, but slightly less between 2.5 and 3 per. Rumors going around that he may end up in Brooklyn.
I won’t, but I’ll question your sanity?????????????LOL !!!!!!!!!!!
I really like the picture in the headings. it was clear right away it’s Dave’s article :))
Lol, thanks. I try to have some kind of sense of humor.
Hunwick gone to Toronto.
Big whoop. Good for him though.
2 years at 1.2 million cap hit. Too much for a 7th defenseman on the Rangers. Good luck Matt!
Well said, Spozo. Food for thought:
Assume Klein gets traded in order to free up space. Are McIlrath/Skjei ready and able to handle 6/7 duties?
If so, does that leave us enough defensive depth given injuries and other variables?
I don’t think they NEED to free up more cap space unless they are targeting a free agent that will come with a hefty cap hit. They have the space to resign their RFAs and add some depth/role playing 3rd and 4 liners.
I think Mclrath and/or Skjei will get very long looks in training camp if there is an opening in the starting 6. I think Sather said last year that Skjei could have competed for a roster spot if there was an opening (I’m not positive on this so please don’t hold me to it). But I don’t think it serves either one of them to be the 7th defenseman. If they make the team they need to be playing. If not let them play top pairing minutes in Hartford until there is an injury or an opening on DEF due to a trade.
I think they can keep Klein this year. With the trade of Hagelin we don’t really need to clear any more cap space this offseason. The need to move him is after the season when we have to sign Kreider, possibly Yandle, etc.
Would be nice to have breathing room for once.
Keep in mind that some breathing room is ideal/necessary. Remember how Pitt limped into the post season- only dressing 5 D- because they couldn’t recall anyone as the team was so close to the cap. Rutherford got flamed for it.
problem, Mc Ilrath needs to clear waivers, and some team may claim him !!!!!!!
It’s very rare someone gets claimed at the beginning of the season.
My guess is that if McIlrath or Skjei force their way on to the team, someone will be traded. Otherwise, no need to hand one of them a spot.
Loved the Hunwick signing last year but not worried about his going to TO. Good depth guy but not a regular. Time for THE UNDERTAKER!
McIlrath will not be the 7D, that’s Diaz. McIlrath is only making the team if someone gets traded. Right now, all six starters are returning.
Not worried, with Diaz on board it’s fine. He’s $500k cheaper
NHL.com network very lightly touched on talk MSL not good with young players.
Where did you see this?
Kessel to Pittsburgh…
And the rich get richer, but who plays defense outside of Letang, Pouliot, and Maata?
Kessel & Crosby makes Pens more dangerous but they are weak on D.
And they’re losing Dmen.
Any thoughts on a 1-year deal for Semin if he’d sign for a low $ to try to re-establish his value?
He just signed a 1 year 2$ million deal with the Pens. They are going to be a scary offense but can they keep the puck out of their own net? Talk about a team of prima donnas!!!
wow, Kessel and Semin? The Pens are building a really hard working, media friendly team there
Pens didn’t sign Semin – that was a fake twitter account.
Semin deal was a fake twitter account. Follow TSN.
They still have Letang, Pouliot, and Maata. It’s not the best, but they certainly have the wingers now.
Would’ve been a solid bargain signing. He got a bad rap for no apparent reason.
Rangers sign c Matt lindblad
Rwanda jayson megna
D raphael diaz
Good to see the Rangers are making a splash in Africa.
Diaz will be the 7D, the others are AHL depth signings.
Dang….Kassian traded to Montreal…would have been a good fit in NY
Zack Kassian really isn’t a good hockey player.
*RW Jayson megna
TSN reporting Yandle is on the block. The?
No way that’s true. Makes no sense.
J. MOORE to Devils,
Trade Yandle for Duclair
Not happening.
Yandle for Kevin Shattenkirk, pull the trigger
Why in the world would STL say yes to that?
Frolik to Calgary
That’s a lot of money for Frolik. Wow.
I really liked Diaz when he was here the first time around. Really strong shot from the point and was used nicely on the PP if I recall.
Hunwick for Diaz does not seem to be a bad switch. The two kids, Mclrath and Skjei are going to get strong looks – Nine D Men vying for spots so it would seem that there is depth for a trade. MclRath must clear waivers to go down and not sure I would trade Klein –
I think Yandle might be the guy to trade and I like “43”s idea – Send him back for Duclair. That trade is going to haunt us for a long time…..
Since Arizona is paying half his salary, you have to figure he’s more valuable to cap-strapped teams at this point. The price starts with something similar to what we gave up to get him: a #1 pick and a solid prospect.
How about sending Yandle to Chicago for Teuvo Teravainen?
That’d be a great return, but that’s not happening. Be realistic.
I realize it’s a pipe dream and I can’t image Chicago moves Teravainen under any scenario after trading Saad. If it were even possible, it’d obviously need to be Yandle + something else for it to even be a possibility.
The price will be lower. The Rangers got him for potentially 2 playoff runs. The team that gets him in a trade will only have him for 1.
Unless the Rangers are blown away, his best value is playing for the team this year with a reduced cap hit.
Exactly.
I highly doubt the Rangers trade Yandle unless the return is unreal. They didn’t give up Duclair and a 1st for half a year of him at half salary.
Hunwick for Diaz is basically a wash. Hunwick got a lot of money, and Gorton replaced him for cheap.
Korpikoski to EDM
For Boyd Gordon. Interesting.
Rangers sign Viktor Stalberg
Solid NHL depth guy. A lot like the Pouliot/Stempniak deals in the past.
Rangers sign Brian Gibbons…
Depth signing. AHL guy.
I’m back. Who missed me?
were you gone?????????????
Ouch Walt. Low blow.
OLO, don’t be so sensitive !!!!!!
Get a cast iron jock strap next time………