The opening of free agency is already shaping up to be busy for a handful of familiar names, with several teams trying to keep their own pieces in place while others prepare to chase the market.
In Florida, the Panthers believe they can get newly acquired defenseman Radko Gudas signed, and the same goes for the Anaheim Ducks and A.J. Greer, according to David Pagnotta. Elliotte Friedman also noted that Greer is “looking for term.”
Friedman added another Ducks free agent note, saying forward Jeffrey Viel is seeking either three years at $4 million or four years at $3 million.
Anders Lee, meanwhile, is headed to the open market. Pierre LeBrun reported that Lee informed the New York Islanders this morning that he is going to free agency.
The Islanders had improved their offer last night, but it still wasn’t enough. That said, LeBrun noted it doesn’t rule out a return after Lee sees what else is out there.
The issue appears to have been term. Stefen Rosner reported that Lee was looking for three years, while the Islanders did not want to go beyond two.
If Lee does test the market, Michael Russo expects the Minnesota Wild to be among the teams interested. Russo also said Lee could take his time before making a decision and might not sign quickly on July 1st.
Patrick Kane is another name expected to draw attention. Chris Johnston said on TSN that there’s going to be “a fair amount of interest” in the pending UFA.
Johnston pointed to the Buffalo Sabres and a possible return to the Chicago Blackhawks, while also mentioning a rumored fit with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He added that, at this point, that Leafs possibility does not seem likely to materialize.
In Ottawa, the Senators are trying to keep Claude Giroux from reaching free agency. Bruce Garrioch reported that the Senators are working to re-sign the forward before he becomes a free agent.
In Other News...
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It is the sort of near miss that can linger with a front office, especially when the market keeps reminding teams how expensive certainty can be. With Jaden Schwartz and Eeli Tolvanen headed toward free agency and the Rangers reportedly putting a steep price on Vincent Trocheck, the league is full of reminders that upgrading a roster rarely comes cheap. Anaheim's push for that higher selection suggests Verbeek was probing for more than just a marginal move, and it leaves the obvious question hanging: how close was he to landing it? [Read more 🡒]
Ducks May Be On Verge Of Losing Another Key Blue-Liner
The Ducks have already sent John Carlsons rights to Carolina, a move that could ripple into the rest of their blue line picture as the offseason market keeps shifting. For Anaheim, the timing matters because right-shot defensemen are always in demand, and the pool of reliable options remains thin enough that every decision can affect the next one.
Jacob Trouba is now sitting at the center of that uncertainty as contract talks continue to drag on. The veteran defenseman gives Anaheim a needed presence on the right side, but the wider market could make him even more attractive if teams looking at Carlson have to turn elsewhere, leaving the Ducks to weigh how far they can go to keep another key piece from slipping away. [Read more 🡒]