Free Agent Notes: Tanguay, Bernier

Free agent left winger Alex Tanguay isn’t quite ready to hang up the skates yet, writes Marc-Antoine Godin of La Presse (link is in French).  Tanguay’s agent, David Ettedgui, told Godin that there are two or three teams interested in his services but that he is looking for the right offer financially.  That would suggest that Tanguay is not likely interested in a PTO at this time.

The 36 year old split last season between the Avalanche and Coyotes, scoring eight goals while adding 27 assists in 70 games; his 35 points lead all remaining unrestricted free agents.  Tanguay accomplished that while battling through a lower body issue for most of the year, one that he is reportedly now recovered from.  We took a closer look at his situation back in July.

Tanguay, a Quebec native, reportedly expressed an interest in playing with his hometown Canadiens back in July.  He spent one year with the team back in 2008-09 before leaving to play in Tampa Bay the following summer.  However, at this time, Montreal is not among the teams that have shown an interest in signing him.

For his career, Tanguay has suited up in 1,088 NHL games with Colorado, Calgary, Montreal, Tampa Bay, and Arizona, recording 283 goals and 580 assists.  He currently ranks 14th in all-time points among active NHL players.

Godin also provided an update on UFA winger Steve Bernier.  His agent, Phillipe Lecavalier, reports that no fewer than seven teams have expressed an interest in him so far.  Bernier played a sparing role with the Islanders last season, playing in just 24 games, notching a goal and five assists.  He also suited up in six playoff contests, being held off the scoresheet.  However, he’s only one year removed from a 16 goal, 32 point campaign with the Devils.

The fact that there is no deal done at this time despite the fact that many teams expressing an interest suggests that no team has offered more than a PTO to the 31 year old at this point.  Bernier is no stranger to waiting to secure a tryout deal as that’s how he wound up with the Islanders last year, parlaying a September tryout into a one year contract.