The Lightning went back-to-back last night when they hoisted the Cup for the second year in a row. While it’s never fun watching the enemy win, one can’t deny that it’s a talented squad in Tampa.
With the season at an end, here are some exciting key dates Cathay are about to come into play:
July 17: Deadline for teams to submit protected lists for 2021 NHL Expansion Draft (5 p.m. ET).
July 21: 2021 NHL Expansion Draft (8 p.m. ET).
July 23: First round of 2021 NHL Draft.
July 24: Rounds 2-7 of 2021 NHL Draft.
July 28: Restricted free agent/unrestricted free agent signing period begins (12 p.m. ET).
Yes, sir! July is going to have some hot hockey action in it!
And some things are already heating up…
Can anyone on here explain how the UFA rights stuff works? Could the Panthers make a deal/trade with a team for Driedger’s rights, essentially preventing him from “walking” and not being able to get anything for him?
Does a deal for UFA rights have to be completed before July 28th?
Protected List
While I haven’t seen anything about which avenue Florida is ooking to take, teams will create their list of protected players via one of the two below options:
- 7 Forwards, 3 Defensemen & Goaltender
- 8 Skaters (F/D) & Goaltender
I’m awful at this stuff (hence why I had to ask about UFA rights earlier), because I don’t know how RFA/UFA rules apply in this situation, which guys are exempt based on status (rookie, etc.), but I threw together some ideas within the Expansion Protection List guidelines and the thought that Driedger is gone.
Option 1:
Barky
Huby
Acciari
Bennett
Hornqvist
Vatrano
Verhaeghe
Ekblad
Weegar
Gudas
Knight
Option 2:
Barky
Huby
Acciari
Hornqvist
Ekblad
Weegar
Gudas
Forsling
Knight
I know many experts are saying Gudas is most likely gone, but if they can hang on to him, I think that would be really good for this blueline.
What do you guys think? What’s Zito have planned/up his sleeve? Who do you want to see protected? What deals are going to be made for Florida?
One of the biggest questions this off-season is how do they move Yandle? According to EK:
“
The curious case of Keith Yandle was fascinating last year as he turned into one of the essentially key players on the team and every one who has ever played with Yandle just loves the guy. I am not convinced the Panthers don't keep Yandle and buyout Stralman though. If Yandle becomes available he has made no secret to wanting to play home in Boston and would likely be a very cheap option for the Bruins blueline. His good friend Shane Doan still works for the Coyotes and Yandle could return to Arizona if he desires...”
I agree that he’s a good guy and well-respected by his teammates, we know that to be very true. But I can’t see him going to a place like Boston, or any team that could make a potential deep playoff run, unless they’re looking for some occasional PP scoring.
I actually think Seattle, or an in between team, would be a great place for him to go. A team who is building and will be going through some growing pains is a good fit for him. As a respected veteran, he can help the young guys and his style of play/blemishes won’t be under the microscope of a team that’s a legitimate threat/possibly contender.
We’ll see if Zito swings a deal.
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I’m pumped the season is finally over because now the fun can begin all over again!
Go Panthers!
[Photo from Florida Panthers Virtual Vault]
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