The free agent class has taken an enormous hit, and that may lead to increased trade talk this offseason
The Chris Johnston Show: Johnston and Julian McKenzie on the Decent Deadline or Disappointment episode, on what’s next for among the players who didn’t get traded on the deadline. Free agency could have died, but there could possibly be teams revisiting trade talk. It’s been an interesting yr for trades.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
McKenzie: “Are you able to give just a little little bit of insight on what’s next for guys like Robert Thomas, Colton Parayko, even Simon Nemec, who whose name was floated around, across the deadline. Guys who weren’t moved ahead of the deadline? What could possibly be next for those guys?
NHL News: Hagel Fined, 2028-29 Projected Salary Cap, and Injury Notes
Johnston: “I believe that’s, perhaps the explanation I’m so bullish on the deadline period is numerous these items will likely be picked up.
You understand, the highest names on the board, you had a Vinnie Trocheck. Like, clearly the Rangers, going to try to maneuver him within the offseason. You understand, I believe Ryan O’Reilly, as much as he likes Nashville, probably revisiting those conversations within the offseason.
Simon Nemec, you understand, he’s 22 right-shot D, but he needs a brand new contract, and he’s he needs a raise. And I’m not saying 100% he’s going to be traded, but the explanation they were listening is that to see if (A) does that bring out a suggestion we will’t refuse, or does it, does it perhaps introduce a special dynamic to our team. but (B) is it could save them from a future problem. That problem is negotiating his next contract. In order that’s at the very least going to be a situation where they need to navigate some things.
So, you understand, I believe the groundwork has been laid for pretty interesting summer. You understand, no news flash here, free agency is dead.
McKenzie: “Yeah.
Johnston: “I mean,
McKenzie: “I saw that. I saw that floating across the last couple of days.
Johnston: “It’s actually dead. And I mean this with respect to those guys, but have a look at among the extensions that were just signed the previous couple of days. Like even J-G Pageua, like, they’re, they’re, I’m not saying there’s no useful players, however it’s going to be…
McKenzie: “Dry.
Johnston: “Dry. It’s tough. But, you understand, I’ll say that I believe trades will then tackle a greater importance. A lot of teams have a number of cap space now. There’s this, you understand, I don’t, I don’t think player movement within the league is dead, however the it’s going to be, the way in which this was a special deadline. I believe it’s going to be different free agency.
So principally, we’re, we’re going to revisit all this. What does St Louis do? Alex Steen going into the essential chair. Do they visit Robert Thomas? Jordan Kyrou? Jordan Binnington, perhaps.
What’s Florida going to do? They ultimately held on to Bobrosky. Do they sign him? He’d be interesting for those who hit free agency. Would anyone roll out an enormous deal for a 38 yr old Sergei Bobrovsky? Perhaps, I don’t know.
NHL Rumors: The Recent Jersey Devils Desire a First Line Impactful Forward
Anyway, it’s been a very interesting yr for trades. At the tip of the day, the actual fact we had Quinn Hughes dealt, and Rasmus Andersson dealt early. And I believe it’s perhaps the day itself, the deadline day, might need dissatisfied you, but I don’t think the season, this season has been so compelling and different than what we’ve seen before. It that I can’t wait for these next 42 days till the Stanley Cup playoffs get going.
Should you love our reporting, select NHLrumors.com as a preferred source on Google.
Have you ever subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumor roundups and hot topics from across the league. We’re also posting some stuff on Instagram.