On Sunday, unrestricted free agents began speaking to other NHL teams to gauge potential interest for next season. No contract can be signed until July 1st, and technically no contract terms are able to be discussed, but the window is now open for chatter.
Friday, the Capitals took the top forward and leading goalscorer among this year’s UFA class, TJ Oshie, off the board, re-signing the Sochi hero to an eight-year, $46 million contract.
With Oshie back and the need to re-sign five core restricted free agents, the Caps are unlikely to resign any of their other four UFAs: Justin Williams, Kevin Shattenkirk, Karl Alzner, and Daniel Winnik.
“I would imagine we’re done, depending on if something happens transaction wise,” MacLellan said to reporters at the NHL Draft in Chicago. “I would assume we’re done.”
But it sounds like Williams and the Caps are still exploring ways to potentially bring back the three-time Stanley Cup champion.
According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, Williams will talk with the Caps this week.
Justin Williams will chat with Caps management this week to see if he's still a fit. 50/50 he's back in Washington next season.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 26, 2017
This follows meetings Williams had with MacLellan earlier in the offseason.
I think the Caps and MacLellan *loved* Williams, but with five RFAs still to re-sign, they're a bit handcuffed with the salary cap.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) June 26, 2017
On the defensive side, Alzner and Shattenkirk are considered the top two defensive free agents on the market.
It was reported by Dreger that Alzner is drawing quite a crowd.
Speaking of the Capitals, Karl Alzner is drawing a crowd. Several calls from teams with interest. He will visit with some this week. https://t.co/CoTCoUObMi
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 26, 2017
The Vancouver Canucks, who lost defenseman Luca Sbisa to Vegas during the expansion draft, have spoken to Alzner’s agent.
Have learned the #Canucks have called the agent for D Karl Alzner and F Jordan Weal. Both local products.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) June 25, 2017
Other teams that have shown interest include the Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Teams other than #Blackhawks with interest in defenseman Karl Alzner include Maple Leafs and Stars.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) June 26, 2017
As for Shattenkirk, he’s let it known for a longtime that he’d love to play for his hometown New York Rangers. Early suitors for his services include the Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Lot of talk about NYR using space for Shattenkirk. They liked Yandle a lot, but were wary of term there. Someone like BUF makes more sense
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 23, 2017
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