NHL Free Agency is Winding Down, How Are Canada's Teams Odds?
As August is upon us, NHL Free Agency slows down to a crawl. Arbitration hearings, or the signings before the rewards period, have begun.
Canadian teams spent a good deal of money in the early days of free agency, much like their American counterparts. There is still some unfinished business, but the “big fish” remains Nazem Kadri.
Canada sports betting players know that Calgary has a breakout player on their hands in Andrew Mangiapane. We will get to him in a bit.
Let us take a quick look at what happened with a bit of betting analysis mixed with common sense.
The Ups And Downs And Sideways Of The Kadri Bidding
There was little doubt that Kadri was going elsewhere. He wanted to return to Colorado, but Joe Sakic and the Avalanche could only offer a one-year deal. Kadri, as we know, craved that one last payday. At 32, could anyone blame him?
For a good while, Calgary seemed a logical destination. The Flames made sense, with Brad Treliving looking to round out his roster after the Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk defections. It turned out not to be the case.
New York Islanders General Manager Lou Lamoriello unleashed a plan, and it turned out he may have the goods, err the winner.
It is not confirmed that Kadri has signed a deal with the New York Islanders. On the other hand, rumors are gaining some traction that this may be the case. Remember that the Islanders have not announced particulars on any of their other “deals” this summer.
There are many debates about whether Kadri is genuinely signed. As some speculate, is it a four-year deal around $7 million AAV? Does anyone know?
Either way, New York would be a certain amount over the salary cap. Lou Lamoriello would have to clear cap space via trade or trades. That has to happen first, and even then, when will the signing be announced?
Calgary is on this NHL betting odds list for Kadri, but the numbers seem to tilt to the Islanders. If one can bet here, now is probably the time to do so.
Nazem Kadri Next Team Odds
Calgary still has business to tend to, as we mentioned before. They are far from the only ones.
Andrew Mangiapane The RFA Dilemma
The Calgary Flames and Mangiapane are another dilemma entirely. Mangiapane is an RFA and filed for arbitration. Mangiapane’s hearing is scheduled for later in the week. Naturally, the Flames and the winger can agree at any time.
The Calgary forward broke out big this year with 35 goals in 82 games. He played nearly 16 minutes a night, saw power-play time, and totaled 55 points. Eight goals came on the man advantage as his role increased throughout the season.
So, what does a team pay the now 26-year-old forward who is getting closer to unrestricted free agency? Does Treliving buy up some “UFA years,” or does he bridge Mangiapane?
Canadian odds seem to favor a deal to come. How long-term it will be is anyone’s guess. Considering there were no arbitration rewards handed out of the 19 filings last year, the numbers favor a settlement coming soon.
The NHL Wilderness Is Looming
With the Kadri signing not yet announced, there are now some players where a decision might not come until September. Also, it does seem general managers are taking their time.
Look at Boston, for example. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci decisions have not come yet either. We might have to wait until September. Stay tuned.
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