Typically, July 1 is when the big free agency news hits. This year, we’re learning of all the big name unrestricted free agents’ new teams the night before as teams can start talking to players earlier. None of the deals can be signed until July 1.
Earlier in the night, we learned that Brett Connolly will sign with the Florida Panthers while Richard Panik will ink a four-year deal with the Capitals.
Reports have also surfaced for Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky, Matt Duchene, Joe Pavelski, Mats Zuccarello, and many more.
Artemi Panarin
For most of the summer, Blue Jackets teammates Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky were rumored to sign with another team as a package deal. That appears unlikely to happen now. Panarin has been linked with Barry Trotz’s New York Islanders for much of the night.
It doesn’t appear as though Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky will be signed as a set. Signs point toward Bobrovsky ending up in FLA while NYI appear the favourite to land Panarin. Both players are repped by the same agent, Paul Theofanous.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 30, 2019
NYR, BTW, do not feel as though the door has closed yet on Artemi Panarin. So there’s that. Which is why this is the “speculation” thread. 🤑
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2019
Late in the night, the Blue Jackets reportedly offered Panarin an eight-year, $96 million contract to stay worth around $12 million a year.
Also hear the CBJ offered around $12 M or so a year over 8 years …. https://t.co/eb26X03wqT
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2019
The Blue Jackets are still trying to convince Artemi Panarin to return to Columbus. Still hoping there’s a chance.
Looks like a 3 team race.
CBJ. NYI. Florida.— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) July 1, 2019
Sergei Bobrovsky
Bobrovsky will sign with the Florida Panthers – a likely seven-year, $70 million deal.
Also. Bobrovsky. 7years. 70 million to Florida
— Hockey Buzz Eklund (@Eklund) June 30, 2019
Matt Duchene
Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets’ other important unrestricted free agent, Matt Duchene, is headed to the Nashville Predators for seven years, $56 million.
NSH GM David Poile doing good work here, although it never hurts when a player is predisposed to be really want to play for a certain team in a certain city. Either way, $8M AAV projected for Duchene. 🤠 https://t.co/dgQMkeYkCc
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2019
Joe Pavelski
Pavelski will be signing a three-year deal with the Dallas Stars worth around $7 million per season.
As @TheFourthPeriod reported, it’s believed to be a three-year deal for Pavelski with an AAV around $7M: https://t.co/cNiOw1CXvU
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2019
Corey Perry
Perry will be joining Pavelski in Dallas on a one-year pact with performance bonuses.
Corey Perry is heading to the Dallas #Stars on a one-year deal. Expectation is a $1.5 million salary with performance bonuses attainable. #TSN
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2019
Perry likely left some money on the table in base salary. His base salary is $1.5 million, with another $1.5 to $2 million expected in performance bonuses for games played and playoffs. #sjsharks and #tblightning were among the teams in hardest on him at the end.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2019
Mats Zuccarello
Zuccarello will be signing a five-year deal worth around $6 million a season.
All signs pointing to Zuccarello signing with the Wild. Hearing five years and $6 M aav or around there https://t.co/icVUkU6wI5
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2019
Semyon Varlamov
The former Capital is being linked with the New York Islanders.
With Varlamov potentially going to the Islanders, hearing that Carolina focusing its efforts on Mrazek and Lehner ….
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 30, 2019
Mike Smith
Goaltender Mike Smith will be signing with the Edmonton Oilers.
Veteran goalie Mike Smith has chosen the #Oilers. He’s more or less trading places with Cam Talbot, who as we hinted on Monday, is heading to the #Flames.
More on what that means for Lehner, Mrazek, and the rest of the goalie market on @SportsCentre at 6pm ET.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 30, 2019
Luke Schenn
The defenseman will sign a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Expect Luke Schenn to sign a one-year deal with #tblightning in neighbourhood of $700k.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2019
Calvin Pickard
Pickard is signing with the Red Wings to compete for the backup role there.
Sounds like Calvin Pickard is joining the #RedWings on a two-year deal. He's expected to compete with Jonathan Bernier in training camp to back up Jimmy Howard.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 30, 2019
Trades
Andrew Shaw was traded back to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Hawks take on the full Shaw contract. No salary retained.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 30, 2019
Goaltender James Reimer was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Anaheim Ducks landed Nicolas Deslauriers for a fourth-round pick.
The Canadiens have acquired Anaheim’s 4th round pick in 2020, in return for forward Nicolas Deslauriers.
DETAILS ➡️ https://t.co/QP7dSGmq4C#GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) June 30, 2019
We’ll be updating this post all night.
