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The Penguins are out of the playoffs and need cap space and draft picks. And, while Detroit has plenty of both, there aren’t many obvious fits for Ron Hextall to bargain with. Still, if you missed it, pop over and take a look. It’s a busy night as another team was eliminated. The Florida Panthers are out, and things within the organization are precarious (particularly finances). A very good team could end up making big changes due to cash flow problems.
Regular season successes didn’t translate as last year’s cup champions rolled out a lineup that was boosted by the miraculous recoveries of Kucherov and Stamkos. Both had injuries that kept them out just long enough for the salary cap to be lifted. Had they returned any earlier, Tampa would have been over the salary cap and penalized by the league. It’s a strange coincidence, to be sure. The league had threatened an investigation if this type of cap circumvention was being utilized, but it looks as though the NHL forgot to check into it. Small favors.
In the case of Florida, this is a team that was preparing for a deep playoff run. Ownership reported serious losses last season showing a -29K revenue gain from the facilities. As recent as last week, rumors surfaced that coach Q could be released (possibly to Seattle) and big changes in an attempt to reduce costs could be on the way. This early post season exit could impact Florida as much (or more) as any other team who is out of the playoff picture.
You can check out Florida’s Cap Friendly page here. It shows 8 UFA and 9 RFA players whose deals are now up. Sam Bennet, the late season acquisition, is arbitration eligible and coming off of a 2.55 million dollar deal. Anthony Duclair signed a 1 year 1.7 million dollar contract last summer after failing to secure a longer term deal. He came off of a career year, but the “COVID economics” saw teams unwilling to meet his salary demands. It’s rumored that a 3 year 4.25 million dollar deal in Ottawa was offered, but the winger thought he could find more on the open mark (dropping representation, he tried to negotiate his own deal). With 10 goals and 22 assists in 43 games, there will certainly be interest if Florida won’t qualify or sign the RFA (arbitration eligible). However, the cap is still flat and Duclair may have to sign another 1 year “prove it” deal. I wouldn’t mind seeing Yzerman at least explore this particular RFA.
Lucas Wallmark (center), Juho Lammikko(center/wing), Chase Priske (RD) , Lucas Carlsson (LD), Noah Juulsen (RD) and Gustav Forsling (LD) are all RFA as well. With each of these coming off of lower contracts, Florida may try to keep them in the fold and try to move some veteran deals.
Florida’s largest contracts currently are Sergei Bobrovski (5 more years at 10 Million) and Aaron Ekblad (4 more years at 7.5 Million). Veteran D man Keith Yandle (34) has two more years at 6.35 million while Anton Stralman (34) has one more year at 5.5. Star center Alecsander Barkov (25) has one more year at 5.9 million before he reaches UFA status. Frank Vatrano (winger) also has one year left until UFA at 2.53 million.
Without much cash flow, Florida isn’t likely to seek the buyout route. They can try to see if Seattle wants to take on Bobrovski, but that’s a fairly large “favor” that would need some sort of sweetener. The team has some high end talent, and the entire league will come calling if a big name or two was made available. It’s difficult (if not impossible) to see names like Ekblad or Barkov being made available, but if the team really wants to do a full “reset” they could try to load up on high draft picks.
Are there any players you would be willing to part with a first round pick for? Let me know your thoughts and we’ll see if Yzerman takes a swing at bringing some of the younger talent on board.
Check out my previous blogs:
The Penguins are out of the playoffs and need cap space and draft picks.
Yzerman is looking for two lefty D men
Washington was eliminated from the playoffs
St Louis is out, any players of interest?
The internal struggle
Yzerman working in silence
Cholowski has coffee with Carly
Bernier would like an extension, and Berggren has signed his ELC.
Eemil Viro has signed his ELC, but Petruzzelli may walk.
The Yzerman Press Conference
Blashill was extended, and a mock draft has Wings picking a goalie at #6
Roster turnover
Albert Johansson playing for team Sweden
Are you rooting for former Wings Players in the playoffs?
Thanks for a great season
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