How Free Agency Changed Canadian NHL Franchises

The Ups And Downs Of The Gaudreau Sweepstakes

There was little doubt that Gaudreau and his agent received offers from several teams. Those included the New Jersey Devils and Columbus Blue Jackets. Some rumored teams were the New York Islanders and a few unnamed squads. The latter could not be genuinely confirmed either way.

For a good while, New Jersey seemed at the forefront of the “sweepstakes.” It turned out not to be the case. Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen hatched a plan, and it turned out he had the winning strategy. 

It was confirmed that Gaudreau had signed a seven-year deal with Columbus at an AAV of $9.75 million. The signing placed Columbus right near the edge of the salary cap, but the Blue Jackets had the top winger they sought to go along with Patrik Laine. 

There are many debates about whether Columbus could pull off something like this. However, the Blue Jackets did it. Kekalainen will have to clear cap space to sign Laine and other players. 

Either way, Columbus signed the top free agent who wanted to be “closer to home.” It leaves Calgary with a vast void.

Calgary still has options and might explore players like Nazem Kadri. There is another direction the Flames could go, including trading Matthew Tkachuk. It seems more likely Calgary is interested in adding a winger that can complement Elias Lindholm and Tkachuk.

Ottawa Made Some Moves Themselves

The Ottawa Senators acquired Alex DeBrincat from the Chicago Blackhawks. Claude Giroux’s deal was worth $6.5 million AAV for three seasons. Giroux came home. It was simply a punctuation mark to what was an excellent week.

Ottawa then extended Josh Norris to an eight-year deal worth $7.95 million AAV. The signing all seemed sparked from a possible deal blocked by Matt Murray. That sparked Pierre Dorion to go in a different direction.

Senators’ fans and Canadians are abuzz at the nation’s capital.

Other Notable Signings From Canada

Vancouver made a surprising move by signing Ilya Mikheyev to a three-year bridge deal worth $4.75 million AAV. Mikheyev possesses an offensive ceiling, but it is clear that the Canucks are moving on from either J.T. Miller or Bo Horvat. This deal also placed the Canucks $2.75 million over the salary cap. 

Montreal made several trades, but Rem Pitlick was re-signed. Toronto signed Calle Jarnkrok and Ilya Samsonov. Samsonov will share goaltending responsibilities with Matt Murray, who was acquired from Ottawa. 

Edmonton also spent a little money after signing Jack Campbell to a five-year deal worth $5 million AAV. After that, the Oilers inked Brett Kulak to a four-year contract for $11 million total. The Oilers re-signed Evander Kane at a mere $5.125 million AAV for four seasons. 

More NHL Free Agency And Then The Summer

With Nazem Kadri not signed just yet, there are a few dominos to fall that could impact Canadian markets a bit. 

It is safe to say a little more spending is likely.

Stay tuned.