Oilers Acquire F Frederic

Michael GinnittiMarch 04, 2025

The Edmonton Oilers acquired F Trent Frederic from the Boston Bruins in a 3-team trade that incldued 7 pieces in total. Frederic brings over an expiring contract with $527,076 of cash remaining in 2024-25. Both Boston (50%) & New Jersey (25% agreed to retain a portion of his $2.3M cap hit, lowering it to $575,000 for the remainder of the season.

Full Trade Details

Oilers Receive
F Trent Frederic
F Max Jones
F Petr Hauser

Bruins Receive
2025 2nd Rd Pick
2025 4th Rd Pick
D Max Wanner

Devils Receive
F Shane Lachance

nhl boston celtics new jersey devils edmonton oilers

Valuing Top NHL Free Agents

Michael GinnittiJune 25, 2024

With the Stanley Cup finals now in the books, the focus now turns to full offseason mode in the NHL, beginning with the upcoming draft (June 28-June 29th), and free agency (July 1st). We’ve identified a few notable pending unrestricted free agents, including projected pricepoints for each.

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Sam Reinhart (C, Florida)

Reinhart posted a (full) breakdown campaign in his walk year with the Panthers: Always a good formula for financial success in sports. A strong postseason capped by a cup-winning goal in Game 7 puts him in conversation to be this year’s best available free agent.

The 28-year-old former #2 overall pick just completed a 3 year, $19.5 million contract in Florida and should have his eyes on Top 15 money this July, with Mitchell Marner’s 6 year, $65M contract ($10.9M per) very much in play.

Jake Guentzel (C, Carolina)

The 29-year-old was rumored to be the big trade chip this past deadline, but the Hurricanes held on instead. He finished the year at a 1.15 point per game clip, and boasts the type of playoff experience that every fringe contending team is looking to add.

Tyler Seguin’s $9.85M per year contract in Dallas should be a good foundation point, but if a team like Chicago wants to get into the mix, look for numbers past $10M per year to get in play.

Elias Lindholm (C, Vancouver)

The 29-year-old just completed a 6 year, $29M contract as a deadline move from Calgary to Vancouver. The overall production has sharply declined (as Calgary depleted the talent around him), so there are red flags attached to him this summer.

But a strong postseason run likely puts him back in the conversation for a Top 25 contract this July. Logan Couture’s $8M per year contract in San Jose seems a proper pricepoint.

Brady Skjei (D, Carolina)

A former Rangers 1st Rounder, Sjkei has spent the last 5 seasons playing out a 6 year, $31.5M contract. He approached the 50 point mark this past season, posting huge numbers across the board (including special teams). There’s a very real world where Skjei becomes the highest paid defender in this year’s class, with Devon Toews $7.25M per year value in Colorado very much in the conversation.

Jonathan Marchessault (F, Vegas)

The 33-year-old posted a career high 42 goals this past season, but the Golden Knights have shown in their young history that they are willing to be aggressive with turnover on an annual basis. Marchessault’s age and likely salary demands could push him into the open market next month.

He’s the perfect candidate to join a young team willing to overpay for surefire production & experience, which could result in a short-term, higher-AAV deal. Will 2 years, $15M take Vegas out of the running?

Also

High Cap Hit NHL Expansion Exposures

Michael GinnittiJuly 18, 2021

A look at players who were exposed to the Seattle Kraken expansion draft while carrying a current cap hit at or above $3.5 million. View the entire protection/exposure list from the NHL here.

 

Carey Price MTL G $10,500,000
P.K. Subban NJD D $9,000,000
Jakub Voracek PHI F $8,250,063
Matt Duchene NSH C $8,000,000
Ryan Johansen NSH C $8,000,000
Shea Weber MTL D $7,857,143
Vladimir Tarasenko STL F $7,500,000
James Van Riemsdyk PHI F $7,000,000
Mark Giordano CGY D $6,750,000
Matthew Murray OTT G $6,250,000
Erik Johnson COL D $6,000,000
Adam Henrique ANA C $5,825,000
Jonathan Quick LAK G $5,800,000
James Neal EDM F $5,750,000
Martin Jones SJS G $5,750,000
Anton Stralman FLA D $5,500,000
Jordan Eberle NYI F $5,500,000
Jason Zucker PIT F $5,500,000
Max Domi CBJ F $5,300,000
Ondrej Palat TBL F $5,300,000
Nino Niederreiter CAR F $5,250,000
Frans Nielsen DET C $5,250,000
Yanni Gourde TBL C $5,166,666
Danny DeKeyser DET D $5,000,000
Josh Bailey NYI F $5,000,000
Evgeni Dadonov OTT F $5,000,000
Tyler Johnson TBL C $5,000,000
Ben Bishop DAL G $4,916,667
Calvin de Haan CHI D $4,550,000
Mikko Koskinen EDM G $4,500,000
Shayne Gostisbehere PHI D $4,500,000
Alexander Killorn TBL C $4,450,000
Braden Holtby VAN G $4,300,000
Oscar Klefbom EDM D $4,167,000
Jake Gardiner CAR D $4,050,000
Marcus Pettersson PIT D $4,025,175
Victor Rask MIN C $4,000,000
Justin Schultz WAS D $4,000,000
Kevin Shattenkirk ANA D $3,900,000
Brenden Dillon WAS D $3,900,000
Will Butcher NJD D $3,733,333
Brett Connolly CHI F $3,500,000
J.T Compher COL C $3,500,000
Alexander Kerfoot TOR C $3,500,000

2021-22 NHL Financial Offseason Previews

Michael GinnittiJuly 08, 2021
Breaking down the upcoming offseason for each 2021-22 NHL team, including cap space figures, free agents, draft pick scenarios, thoughts on potential trades, & plenty more.

Winnipeg Jets

Current Cap Space: $20,561,144

Under Contract (15): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (8): FULL LIST
Andrew Copp (C, 27), Neal Pionk (D, 26)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (9): FULL LIST
Paul Stastny (C, 35), Mathieu Perreault (C, 33), Derek Forbort (D, 29)

Dead Cap (0):

Draft Picks: R1: #18, R2: #50, R3 #82, R5: #146

Pionk and Copp are locks to get pay raises, but the free agent focus will likey turn to the blue line, especially if that's where Seattle plucks a player off of this team. Winnipeg has some cap space ammo to work with, and should consider using it to be aggressive on the open market, as this team as young depth available, but lacks a few experienced everyday players.

 

Washington Capitals

Current Cap Space: $9,018,740

Under Contract (19): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (2): FULL LIST
Ilya Samsonov (G, 24)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (8): FULL LIST
Alex Ovechkin (F, 36)

Dead Cap (0):

Draft Picks: R2: #55, R4: #119, R5 #151, R6: #183, R7: #215, R7: #218

It was weird to type Alex Ovechkin's name here. It's likely a non-discussion, but he's here nonetheless. Washington has a pair of goalies they'd like to keep away from Seattle, so a side deal in that regard seems in order. Outside of that, it's a cap crunch offseason, with just north of $9M currently available. Is that even enough to get Ovechkin back in the door? There's at least one trade coming from this team that many won't expect.

 

Vegas Golden Knights

Current Cap Space: $6,383,333

Under Contract (18): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (1): FULL LIST
Quinn Hughes (D, 21),  Elias Pettersson (C, 22)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (14): FULL LIST
Brandon Sutter (C, 32), Travis Boyd (F, 28)

Dead Cap (1): Roberto Luongo ($3,033,206)

Draft Picks: R1: #9, R2: #41, R3: #73, R5: #137, R6 #169, R6, #178, R6: #190, R7: #201

Hughes and Pettersson should be locks to resign, though length could be a bit of a contested point with the long-term future of Vancouver questionable at best. The bottom line here is this roster needs to improve to attract any kind of free agent talent, and the best way to get there is via the trade. The Sabres, Coyotes, & Lightning will all be looking to move on from significant pieces this summer, and Vancouver should be a top destination to partner up with.

 

Vancouver Canucks

Current Cap Space: $15,825,127

Under Contract (17): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (11): FULL LIST
Quinn Hughes (D, 21),  Elias Pettersson (C, 22)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (13): FULL LIST
Brandon Sutter (C, 32), Travis Boyd (F, 28)

Dead Cap (1): Roberto Luongo ($3,033,206)

Draft Picks: R1: #9, R2: #41, R3: #73, R5: #137, R6 #169, R6, #178, R6: #190, R7: #201

Hughes and Pettersson should be locks to resign, though length could be a bit of a contested point with the long-term future of Vancouver questionable at best. The bottom line here is this roster needs to improve to attract any kind of free agent talent, and the best way to get there is via the trade. The Sabres, Coyotes, & Lightning will all be looking to move on from significant pieces this summer, and Vancouver should be a top destination to partner up with.

 

Toronto Maple Leafs

Current Cap Space: $9,355,217

Under Contract (17): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (5): FULL LIST

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (17): FULL LIST
Zach Hyman (C, 29), Joe Thornton (C, 42), Nick Foligno (F, 33), Alex Galchenyuk (C, 27)

Dead Cap (1): Philip Kessel ($1,200,000)

Draft Picks: R5: #153

Toronto underachieved with a roster that was somewhat "all-in" in 2020-21. With the page flipped to the offseason, they're left with a stack of unrestricted free agents, minimal cap space, and a single, fifth round draft pick. The good news is this franchise has developed a young core that will be extremely attractive to veteran free agents, and should allow for "value" signings this summer.

 

Tampa Bay Lightning

Current Cap Space: $-3,516,666

Under Contract (17): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (9): FULL LIST

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (14): FULL LIST
Blake Coleman (C, 29), Barclay Goodrow (F, 28)

Dead Cap (0):

Draft Picks: R2: #57, R3 #96, R5: #160, R6: #192, R7: #196, R7: #211, R7: #224

Cap crunch + loaded roster / expansion draft year = Seattle's going to get a good one from Tampa Bay. One bright piece to the puzzle is that the list of expiring players is minute. This won't stop the Lightning from needing to find trade parters for likely two notable players this offseason, with Tyler Johnson and Alex Killorn at the top of that list. Teams with cap space will be calling early and often to pry a player or two from the back to back champs.

 

St. Louis Blues

Current Cap Space: $17,687,500

Under Contract (18): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (11): FULL LIST
Jordan Kyrou (C, 23), Vince Dunn (D, 24), Zach Sanford (F, 26)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (9): FULL LIST
Mike Hoffman (F, 31), Jaden Schwartz (F, 29), Tyler Bozak (C, 35)

Dead Cap (0):

Draft Picks: R1: #17, R3 #81, R5: #145, R6: #177, R7: #198

This offseason starts and maybe ends with how the Vladimir Tarasenko trade demand comes to a head. The Blues are a team that stumbled backwards a bit last season, and certainly losing a player of this caliber, could continue that downward spiral. There's a chance many of these notable free agents don't get renewed in St. Louis, though the cap space freed up to move on from Tarasenko could allow for more long-term offers to Kyrou, Sanford, etc...

 

San Jose Sharks

Current Cap Space: $10,258,333

Under Contract (16): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (9): FULL LIST
Ryan Donato (C, 25), Dylan Gambrell (C, 25), Rudolfs Balcers (F, 24)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (5): FULL LIST
Marcus Sorensen (F, 29), Patrick Marleau (F, 42)

Dead Cap (1): Noah Rod ($116,666)

Draft Picks: R1: #7, R3 #71, R4: #121, R5: #135, R5: #156, R6: #167, R7: #199

At first glance, this feels like a "ride it out" year in San Jose, where aging contracts that really can't be moved will simply need to be dealt with. The goaltender situation has questions also, and the Sharks would love Seattle to take the Martin Jones situation out of their hands if possible, or else a buyout could be on the table. Have we also seen the last of Patrick Marleau?

 

Pittsburgh Penguins

Current Cap Space: $3,256,795

Under Contract (19): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (8): FULL LIST
Zach Aston-Reese (C, 27), Mark Jankowski (C, 27), Theodor Blueger (C, 27)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (9): FULL LIST
Cody Ceci (D, 27), Evan Rodrigues (F, 28)

Dead Cap (1): Jack Johnson ($1,116,666)

Draft Picks: R2 #58, R5: #154, R7: #194

The Penguins are tight on cap space and low on draft picks heading into the summer. They'll need help just to get these few notable restricted free agents back, let alone a big defensive piece like Ceci. There are offensive pieces to be traded this offseason, and it seems inevitable at this point (Petterson, Zucker, etc...), and there will be legitimate conversations about Malkin's future on this roster as well. Bottom line, it's a business first offseason in Pittsburgh.

 

Philadelphia Flyers

Current Cap Space: $13,085,414

Under Contract (18): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (8): FULL LIST
Travis Sanheim (D, 25), Nolan Patrick (C, 23), Carter Hart (G, 23)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (8): FULL LIST
Brian Elliott (G, 36),

Dead Cap (0):

Draft Picks: R1: #14, R2 #46, R3: #78, R4: #110, R5: #158, R6: #174, R7: #206

Tough not to start with the goaltending situation here, as Carter Hart should be a relatively low-cost extension to increase his sample size, but Brian Elliot (who outplayed Hart at times), seems too past his prime to overpay for. Philly should be shopping for a #1 goalie this offseason. Sanheim is the most notable expiring here as he's slipped in terms of production and long term confidence in this system. A small extension to better define his role makes sense. The Flyers will be in the market for blue liners this offseason, as they gave up an East Division high 201 goals last year.

 

Ottawa Senators

Current Cap Space: $28,451,667

Under Contract (19): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (14): FULL LIST
Brady Tkachuk (F, 22), Drake Batherson (C, 23)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (5): FULL LIST
Ryan Dzingel (C, 29), Derek Stepan (C, 31)

Dead Cap (2): Bobby Ryan ($3,583,333), Dion Phaneuf ($354,167)

Draft Picks: R1: #10, R2 #39, R2: #42, R3: #74, R6: #170, R7: #202

Even though the offensive production has been far from elite, Tkachuk seems a no-brainer extension for 3-4 years. Ottawa forfeited a 2nd round pick to acquire Stepan, so it stands to reason they'll look to lock him up short term as well. Other than that, this is a mediocre roster with ample cap space to try and improve everywhere.

 

New York Rangers

Current Cap Space: $22,840,199

Under Contract (18): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (12): FULL LIST
Pavel Buchnevich (F, 26), Filip Chytil (F, 22), Igor Shesterkin (G, 25)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (4): FULL LIST
Brendan Smith (D, 32), Phillip di Giuseppe (F, 27)

Dead Cap (3): Henrik Lundqvist ($1,500,000), Kevin Shattenkirk ($1,433,333), Dan Girardi ($1,111,111)

Draft Picks: R1: #16, R3 #65, R3: #80, R4: #104, R4: #106, R4: #112, R5: #144, R6: #176, R7: #208

Priority number one here seems to extend Shesterkin, their goalie of the future, though arbitration may stand in the way. Breakout forward Buchnevich is also inline for a major payday, while it's possible many other expirings are let to walk to the market in exchange for an aggressive push at multiple centers. Buffalo's Jack Eichel appears to be largely on this team's radar via trade, but even he alone won't be enough to make New York legit contenders.

 

New York Islanders

Current Cap Space: $5,786,666

Under Contract (18): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (9): FULL LIST
Adam Pelech (D, 27), Anthony Beauvillier (F, 24), Ilya Sorokin (G, 26)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (10): FULL LIST
Casey Cizikas (C, 30), Kyle Palmieri (F, 30)

Dead Cap (0)

Draft Picks: R2: #60, R3 #93, R4: #125, R5: #157, R6: #189, R7: #221

The Islanders aren't being shy about their interest in retaining all of their notable free agents, but with just north of $5M in cap space to work with currently, that seems nearly impossible. So where can this roster flex a bit? Defense seems the early answer, as New York gave up just 128 goals against in the shortened 2020-21 season, by far the least in the East Division. Trading defense for offense could be a viable compromise this summer.

 

New Jersey Devils

Current Cap Space: $35,677,501

Under Contract (15): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (12): FULL LIST
Nicholas Merkley (F, 24)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (9): FULL LIST
Ryan Murray (D, 28), Nikita Gusev (F, 29)

Dead Cap (2): Cory Schneider ($2M), Ilya Kovalchuk ($250,000)

Draft Picks: R1: #4, R1: #29, R2: #61, R3 #68, R3: #75, R4: #100, R5: #129, R6: #164, R7: #203

The Devils are likely heading toward an offseason of trades, from the #4 pick, to plenty of players under contract currently. New Jersey has cap space, and minimal expiring contracts of concern, which means they can be overly aggressive in outside negotiations. Teams like Tampa, Calgary, Washington should be targets for this franchise as all will be seeking cap relief.

 

Nashville Predators

Current Cap Space: $22,858,588

Under Contract (15): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (15): FULL LIST
Eeli Tolvanen (F, 22), Dante Fabbro (D, 23), Juuse Saros (G, 26)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (10): FULL LIST
Mikael Granlund (C, 29), Erik Haula (C, 30), Pekka Rinne (G, 38)

Dead Cap (2): Kyle Turris ($2M), Steven Santini ($275,000)

Draft Picks: R1: #19, R2: #40, R2: #51, R3 #83, R4: #115, R4: #123, R5: #147, R6: #179

The focus will be on the 15 restricted free agents, and the course of action at goaltender, with franchise staple Pekka Rinne's future very much in question. It's possible Nashville opts to go extremely young in the upcoming season.

 

Montreal Canadiens

Current Cap Space: $14,671,191

Under Contract (15): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (10): FULL LIST
Jesperi Kotkaniemi (C, 21), Artturi Lehkonen (F, 26)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (13): FULL LIST
Tomas Tatar (F, 30), Phillip Danault (C, 28)

Dead Cap (1): Karl Alzner ($1,958,333)

Draft Picks: R1: #31, R2: #63, R2: #64, R3 #76, R3: #87, R4: #113, R4: #126, R4: #127, R5: #142, R6: #191, R7: #223

The cup runner-ups have immediate work to do with notable offensive pieces on expiring contracts. Kotkaniemi & Danault should demand pretty serious coin, while the Tatar experiment appears to be coming to an end in Montreal. It doesn't appear necessary for this team to do a whole lot else this offseason, though working the trade block with a ton of draft ammo could be fun.

 

Minnesota Wild

Current Cap Space: $15,931,410

Under Contract (16): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (6): FULL LIST
Kevin Fiala (F, 25)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (13): FULL LIST
Nick Bonino (C, 33), Marcus Johansson (C, 30),  Ian Cole (D, 32)

Dead Cap (0):

Draft Picks: R1: #22, R1: #26, R2: #54, R3 #86, R3: #90, R4: #118, R5: #150, R6: #182, R7: #214

The Wild finished third in the West Division, hold $16M of cap space, have a minute amount of expiring contracts, and possess 5 Top 90 draft picks this month. It all sounds great, however Minnesota will need to address a few young internal contracts this summer which could take on nearly $10M of that space without trying. Look for this team to be aggressive on the trade block over the next few weeks.

 

Los Angeles Kings

Current Cap Space: $14,690,412

Under Contract (21): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (10): FULL LIST
Trevor Moore (F, 26), Andreas Athanasiou (C, 27)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (3): FULL LIST
Troy Grosenick (G, 32)

Dead Cap (3): Dion Phaneuf ($1,062,500), Mike Richards ($900,000), Jeff Carter ($2,636,363)

Draft Picks: R1: #8, R2: #49, R3: #72, R3 #89, R4: #109, R5: #136, R6: #168

The Kings already made their splash move by acquiring Viktor Arvidsson this month, and should have no trouble bringing back their few expiring contracts with just under $15M of cap space to work with. The question remains though just how aggressive this team can be on the open market as they try to push toward playoff contention.

 

Florida Panthers

Current Cap Space: $13,127,957

Under Contract (20): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (13): FULL LIST
Anthony Duclair (F, 26), Sam Bennett (C, 25), Gustav Forsling (D, 25)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (8): FULL LIST
Alexander Wennberg (C, 27), Brandon Montour (D, 27)

Dead Cap (2): Scott Darling ($1,183,333), Roberto Luongo ($1,094,128)

Draft Picks: R1: #24, R2: #56, R4: #120, R5 #152, R6: #184, R7: 210

The Panthers finished second in the Central Division and the crux of their core players will be up for large extensions in the next 18-24 months, meaning their window of "value" is quickly closing. Extending Bennett & Forsling seem no brainers in this process, but bringing in new blood likely means a buyout or two as well (Yandle, Stralman).

 

Edmonton Oilers

Current Cap Space: $16,562,167

Under Contract (20): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (9): FULL LIST
Kailer Yamamoto (C, 23), Dominik Kahun (C, 26), Jujhar Khaira (F, 27)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (13): FULL LIST
Jujhar Khaira (D, 28), Tyson Barrie (D, 30), Mike Smith (G, 39)

Dead Cap (2): Andrej Sekera ($1.5M), Milan Lucic ($750,000)

Draft Picks: R1: #20, R4: #116, R6 #180, R6: #186, R7: #212

Edmonton finally figured a few things out this season, especially with ageless Mike Smith manning the net. Opting to bring him back may be the best move short term, and shouldn't break the bank. This team is full of offensive stars in their prime age range, so adding depth in all areas with the cap space available seems the right move. A buyout for James Neal should be on the table in the coming days to unlock even more room.

 

Detroit Red Wings

Current Cap Space: $48,150,277

Under Contract (10): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (13): FULL LIST
Filip Hronek (D, 23), Jakub Vrana (F, 25), Adam Erne (F, 26)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (19): FULL LIST
Luke Glendening (C, 32), Jonathan Bernier (G, 33)

Dead Cap (1): Justin Abdelkader ($2,305,556)

Draft Picks: R1: #6, R1: #23, R2: #38, R2: #48, R3: #70, R3: #94, R4: #102, R4: #128, R5: #134, R5: #138, R6: #166

Don't let the $48M of cap space fool you, this team has significant work to do. With only 10 NHL level players under contract, and a truckload of draft picks to boot, it stands to reason that the Red Wings could finally bottom out this offseason if they so choose. It's likely not the right time to take on major contracts in Detroit.

 

Dallas Stars

Current Cap Space: $14,253,000

Under Contract (18): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (10): FULL LIST
Miro Heiskanen (D, 22), Jason Dickinson (C, 27)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (8): FULL LIST
Jamie Oleksiak (D, 28), Andrew Cogliano (F, 34), Sami Vatanen (D, 30)

Dead Cap (1): Alexander Wennberg ($441,666)

Draft Picks: R1: #15, R2: #47, R3: #79, R4: #111, R5: #143, R6: #175, R7: #207

An extension for Heiskanen will be top billing for the Stars this summer, and it won't be cheap ($8Mish). Once that's in place, the process will focus on finding near minimum value signings to fill out the rest of this roster.

 

Columbus Blue Jackets

Current Cap Space: $23,861,639

Under Contract (20): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (7): FULL LIST
Patrik Laine (F, 23),

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (10): FULL LIST
Michael Del Zotto (D, 31), Zac Dalpe (C. 31)

Dead Cap (1): Alexander Wennberg ($441,666)

Draft Picks: R1: #5, R1: #25, R1: #32, R3: #69, R4: #101, R5: #132, R5: #133, R6: #165, R7: #197

The Blue Jackets have ample cap space and just Patrik Laine's bigtime extension to deal with this offseason. The first chip to fall this season appears to be trading D Seth Jones, who's entering a contract year in 2021-22. Columbus will be trying to build from the basement, but they have the cap and draft capital to make aggressive runs at major players this offseason.

 

Colorado Avalanche

Current Cap Space: $25,489,167

Under Contract (13): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (9): FULL LIST
Tyson Jost (C, 23), Cale Makar (D, 22), Conor Timmins (D, 23)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (15): FULL LIST
Gabriel Landeskog (F, 28), Brandon Saad (F, 28), Phillip Grubauer (G, 29)

Dead Cap (0)

Draft Picks: R1: #28, R3: #92, R7: #220

The Avalanche enter the offseason as one of the favorites for the 2021-22 Cup, and while a projected $25.5M of cap space seems healthy, with just 13 players allocated to the roster & Landeskog headed toward free agency, there's plenty of work to be done here. There won't be enough capital to bring back all 24 pending free agents, and the expansion draft will have its say with this roster as well. It's going to be a tall order just to get Landeskog, Grubauer, & Makar all back in the fold. This is a team to watch for in terms of trading some rights for draft picks in the coming weeks.

 

Chicago Blackhawks

Current Cap Space: $5,333,929

Under Contract (24): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (8): FULL LIST
Brandon Hagel (F, 23), Pius Suter (F, 25), Nikita Zadorov (D, 26)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (9): FULL LIST
Vincent Hinostroza (C, 27)

Dead Cap (1): Olli Maatta ($750,108)

Draft Picks: R1: #12, R2: #44, R2: #62, R4: #105, R4: #108, R6: #172, R7: #204, R7: #216

This is a young roster, heavy with players who can be moved up and down as needed, and with very few notable expiring contracts to deal with this offseason. The minimal cap space ($5.3M) will be offset by two notable players (Seabrook, Shaw) hitting the Long-Term Injured Reserve before the season, freeing up another $11M. With that said, this won't be a team shopping for the big boys this offseason. It's more about extending a few worthy RFAs, locking in Hinostroza (who is a clear chemistry fit), and finding some experienced veterans on near minimum contracts to fill in a few blanks. The biggest splash this summer will most likely come in the form of a trade, as longtime defenseman Duncan Keith seems to already have one foot out of the door.

 

Carolina Hurricanes

Current Cap Space: $29,432,667

Under Contract (12): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (9): FULL LIST
Andrei Svechnikov (F, 21), Warren Foegele (F, 25), Alex Nedeljkovic (G, 25)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (17): FULL LIST
Dougie Hamilton (D, 28), Cedric Paquette (C, 28)

Dead Cap (0):

Draft Picks: R1: #27, R2: #59, R3: #91, R4: #123, R6: #187, R7: #200, R7: #209, R7: #219

How the Hurricanes handle this offseason will be one of the more interesting watches, as they could essentially resign some of their youth, toss in one or two notable free agent adds, and try to contend in the East again. It's likely things get a little more complicated though, with rumors of a sign and trade for Dougie Hamilton at the forefront of the rumor mill. Svechnikov's rookie extension will be priority number one.

 

Calgary Flames

Current Cap Space: $14,525,000

Under Contract (12): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (13): FULL LIST
Dillon Dube (C, 23), Juuso Valimaki (D, 22)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (11): FULL LIST
Derek Ryan (C, 34)

Dead Cap (1): Troy Brouwer ($1.5M)

Draft Picks: R1: #13, R2: #45, R3: #77, R3: #84, R5: #141, R6: #173 R7: #205

The Flames have almost $67M allocated to just 13 NHL players right now, giving them a lot to do with just $14.5M of space. There's probably a trade being lined up for the coming weeks, which will allow Calgary to be a little more active come free agency.

 

Buffalo Sabres

Current Cap Space: $34,150,000

Under Contract (12): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (10): FULL LIST
Sam Reinhart (C, 25), Rasmus Dahlin (D, 21), Casey Mittelstadt (C, 22), Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (G, 22)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (12): FULL LIST
Jake McCabe (D, 27), Linus Ullmark (G, 28)

Dead Cap (1): Cody Hodgson ($791,667)

Draft Picks: R1: #1, R2: #33, R2: #53, R3: #84, R5: #141, R6: #173 R7: #205

With medical issues and trade rumors surrounding Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart's future in question, and a half dozen free agents in need of new contracts, the view isn't exactly picturesque from Sabresland. Buffalo has needs everywhere, but addressing the goaltender situation might be priority number one, especially if another rebuild is in front of them.

 

Boston Bruins

Current Cap Space: $30,256,612

Under Contract (17): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (7): FULL LIST
Nicholas Ritchie (F, 25)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (12): FULL LIST
Taylor Hall (F, 29), David Krejci (C, 35), Tuukka Rask (G, 34), Mike Reilly (D, 28)

Dead Cap (0):

Draft Picks: R1: #21, R3: #85, R4: #117, R5: #149, R6: #181 R7: #213, R7: #217

The Bruins are in a position of power this offseason, as a fringe contending team, with free agents who want to stay, and ample cap space to keep them. It would be a surprise if Taylor Hall and David Krejci aren't back with the B's, while the situaton with Tuukka Rask may be a bit more complicated. Rask is set to miss a big chunk of next season after hip surgery, so a paycut is already in order, but do they replace him from within, or via the open market?

 

Arizona Coyotes

Current Cap Space: $31,411,383

Under Contract (12): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (12): FULL LIST
Conor Garland (F, 25), Adin Hill (G, 25)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (13): FULL LIST
Antti Raanta (G, 32),  Alex Goligoski (D, 36), Michael Bunting (F, 26)

Dead Cap (1): Michael Grabner ($1,258,333)

Draft Picks: R2: #37, R2: #43, R4: #107, R4: #122, R5: #139, R6: #171

The Coyotes have a defense and goalie problem, as about 85% of those units are on some sort of expiring contract this offseason. Arizona took a few steps forward this season, nearly finding themselves at the .500 mark, so continuing to build this team carefully is important this offseason. Though part of that process may come with sending Oliver Ekman-Larsson's massive contract out of town, a move that won't pull back elite assets, but will free up more room to grow.

 

Anaheim Ducks

Current Cap Space: $22,555,000

Under Contract (16): FULL ROSTER

Potential Restricted Free Agents (7): FULL LIST
Maxime Comtois (F, 22)

Potential Unrestricted Free Agents (11): FULL LIST
Ryan Getzlaf (C, 36)

Dead Cap (1): Corey Perry ($2M)

Draft Picks: R1: #3, R2: #34, R3: #66, R4: #98, R5: #130, R5: #148, R6: #162

The Ducks had a miserable season, and wound up with the #3 pick for their efforts. Are they all in on trying to go worst to first? They have the cap space to at least make a run at it, but they'll have decisions to make on players like Getzlaf and Backes, whos better days are long gone. Taking on other team's "problems" could be their best move here.

 

NHL Free Agency

Michael GinnittiOctober 12, 2020

The NHL offseason has brought us 100 signings, a dozen trades, & a new draft class all in a matter of days. We're tracking all the movement and numbers here.

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