Following the lead of Evgeny Malkin, Johnny Hockey is testing the free agent market.
Welcome to the club. It is better.
MVP candidate johnny goudreau informed Calgary Flames He’s going to free agency on Wednesdays, joining a NHL The free agent class that showcases the most high-end talent available over many years.
“It’s my firm belief that this was a family decision, and I fully respect that,” Flames general manager Brad Trelliving disapproved Tuesday night. “John has every right, and we have nothing but respect for John the player and John the person.”
Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Goudreau (13) is greeted by center Elias Lindholm (28) after scoring an empty-net against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period of an NHL hockey game on Monday, April 18, 2022 in Chicago.
(AP Photo/Kamil Krzyczynski)
Goudreau, Malkin, Colorado Stanley Cup champions Nazem Qadri and Darcy Kuemper, and Dallas defenseman John Klingberg form one of the darkest groups of free agents in recent history. Even though the salary cap is only going up $1 million per team, record revenue has made for the first increase since 2019, setting the stage for a significant inflow of money when the market opens on Wednesday.
“There’s some money to be spent,” said Carolina general manager Don Waddell. “I think there were 21 teams that were cap teams last year and another five or six that were real close. Some money has to be spent, and the players are going to make a lot of money.”
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Probably none more so than Goudreau, who set a career high with 40 goals, 75 assists and 115 points to lead the Flames to the Pacific Division title. His next deal will almost certainly break the richest contract ever signed last year: $63 million USD to Dougie Hamilton from New Jersey.
Goudreau, a South Jersey native who grew up on the Flyers, has been surprisingly linked to the Philadelphia and New York Islanders, though Calgary put on a full-court press to keep the dynamic winger, who turned 29 in August. Why did it happen?
“I can assure our fans that we have done everything we can to keep John in Calgary,” Trelliving said. “I firmly believe there was nothing more we could have done.”
Read more: Flames bounce back for 5-3 win over Kraken to score 100 points from Jonny Goudreau
The Pittsburgh Penguins also tried to re-sign Malkin, who on Monday indicated his intention to see what other options he might have. The 36-year-old was still a points-a-game player last season after returning from knee surgery.
Among teams looking for a young substitute in the middle is Qadri, who, like Goudreau, had a career year and extended that production deep into the playoffs. Qadri, who would be 32 by opening night, was one of the Avalanche’s best players on his cup run, with 15 points in 16 matches sandwiched around a broken right thumb, through which he reached the final. had played.
Teammate Andre Burakowski, long-time Flyers captain to Panthers forward Claude Giroux, Rangers center Ryan Strom and Blues winger David Perron are also among the many intriguing options up front.
“It’s going to be interesting,” Waddell said. “There seems to be an abundance of forwards and not as many defenders.”
The best in that shallow pool is Klingberg, who is highly coveted as a right-shot defenseman who can drive power plays. Think Hamilton’s money for the soon-to-be 30-year-old Swede, who scored 47 points last season.
Waddell joked that he and the Hurricanes weren’t looking for a goalkeeper for the first time in many years, but there’s no shortage of teams. Kumper, who backstopped the Avalanche to the Cup, is available after acquiring Alexander Georgiev from the Rangers, and so is Jack Campbell moving to Matt Murray with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which he got from Ottawa.
Read more: Evander Kane’s agent says Oilers have given him green light to negotiate with other NHL teams
Following the inconsistency in net cost in the playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers are expected to be a big player in the goalkeeper market. Washington Capitals “jumped into the fire” after GM Brian McClellan “jumped into the fire” by trading Vitek Venisek to the Devils and doubling down on recreating his goal by not giving a qualifying offer to Ilya Samsonov.
Whether it is trade or free agency, Capitals now need to have two targets and know the price given high demand and low supply.
“Looking at the environment, I think it will be high,” McLane said.
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Colorado has set a precedent for a lot of free agents after re-signing Valerie Nychushkin on Monday in an eight-year deal for $49 million. Nychushkin found nine goals and six assists in the playoffs, so his $6.125 million annual cap hit could be the destination for Tampa Bay postseason star Ondrej Palt, as long as he helps the Lightning win the Cup for third hometown. Doesn’t take discount. The time after their success phase began in 2020.
With or without Palat and steady defender Jan Rutta, the Lightning could be shopping the bargain aisle again as they did last year by adding veteran Cory Perry, Pierre-एडdouard Bellemare and Zach Bogosian for a third consecutive run in the final. were the major pieces. ,
Lightning GM Julian Brisbois said, “You start, what holes do I need to fill and who is the best option to fill those holes, given the cap space and cap space I have, I have to sign those players.” is required.” ,
Filling the roster deeply with players not only for Tampa Bay but around the league could take some time. Many executives still expect the usual free agent frenzy, which begins Wednesday afternoon EDT, though it may not be the only time for the vast majority of signings like most years.
“There’s always going to be a rush of players who are going to sign, but because of the tight cap situation, are there going to be other positions after that deadline?” Stars GM Jim Neal said. “This could be a year where it drags on for a bit.”
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