With the 2023 NHL Draft beginning in five days, the hockey hot stove is melting ice right now. We’re starting to see teams get pen to paper with their RFAs — like the Blackhawks signing Joey Anderson on Thursday — and others are hearing back from agents of players who are either heading to free agency this summer or could sign an extension next weekend.
This draft could be full of drama after the first couple picks, and there are some teams that could make desperate decisions to make their money work in the next ten days. So let’s get caught up on what’s shaking around the league on this final Friday before the draft.
Devils Sign Haula, Working on Meier
The New Jersey Devils have reportedly signed veteran forward Erik Haula to a three-year extension that carries a $3.15 million AAV. shows the Devils now at roughly $60.2 million committed to 14 players on their NHL roster, leaving them with around $23 million to fill out their roster. Doesn’t sound too bad until you consider they’re still working on a long-term deal with forward Timo Meier, who reportedly told his agent to get an eight-year deal done to keep him in New Jersey. If that comes in around the $8.5-9 million range, the math becomes a lot more complicated.
Which is why I floated the idea back in late-May that the Blackhawks should make a call about pending RFA forward Yegor Sharangovich. He’s still only 25, has some skill and size and wouldn’t cost a ton.
Calgary Implosion?
There are a lot of reports swirling late this week that Winnipeg might not be the only Canadian team with an implosion coming in the next 5-12 days. The Calgary Flames are struggling to stay lit right now, and reports are that their roster might look significantly different next year — again!
After losing Johnny Gaudreau to free agency and Matthew Tkachuk via trade (before losing him to free agency) last summer, we’re now seeing that the team has made a to center Elias Lindholm. But… they’re waiting to hear back from the player. Still.
Meanwhile, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff is reporting “defenseman , who has clearly indicated that he does not plan to sign an extension in Calgary,” forward also plans on leaving via free agency and forward “ is also leaning toward not re-signing in Calgary.”
Whelp…
Boston Selling (To Buy)
After having the best regular season in NHL history — only to get tossed from the playoffs in the first round, blowing a 3-1 lead — the Boston Bruins are now dealing with financial migraines. The Bruins have under $5 million in salary cap space and have a long list of internal free agents they either want or need to re-sign. So they’re looking to sell contracts so they can spend that money elsewhere.
According to :
“Taylor Hall is one option. The veteran left wing has a $6 million cap hit for two more seasons. Veteran defenseman Derek Forbort ($3 million cap hit) and Matt Grzelcyk ($3.68 million cap hit) are entering the final year of their contracts. Linus Ullmark, who will likely win the Vezina Trophy next week, is another potential trade candidate. The team’s No. 1 goalie has a $5 million cap hit for two more seasons. The no-movement clause in his contract becomes a no-trade clause on July 1.”
Draft Trades Coming
David Pagnotta at The Fourth Period has had a few updates on teams looking to move up, down and around during the 2023 NHL Draft. His latest on Friday says the Caps want to move up from No. 8 (Michkov??). That’s something.
The Fourth Period has also recently reported:
