With free agency officially slowing to a snail’s pace, we’ve had an uptick in our original articles as a result. Here’s a rundown of what we’ve covered over the past week.
Our rundown of the salary cap situation for the Pacific Division continued. I assessed the situation for Arizona and Calgary while Holger did the same for Edmonton and Los Angeles. Of the four squads, only the Kings find themselves with a comfortable cap situation heading into next season while the Flames will likely need to cut more salary in order to be in cap compliance when they re-sign their remaining restricted free agents.
Logan Couture landed the number four spot in our 2007 Redraft series, jumping five spots from his actual selection. The Capitals are now up at number five. Who should they take? It’s a close three-way race so far.
The first half of our mailbag is now available. I tackled questions on the Avalanche, Kevin Shattenkirk’s contract, when Boston’s restricted free agents may sign, plus some quick comments on several of the prominent RFAs that are still waiting for new deals.
With the UFA market being slow at the moment, we asked which veteran free agent is the best one still available as well as which younger player is worth a look. There’s still time to make your picks.
Speaking of veteran unrestricted free agents, Holger examined a pair of them in winger Thomas Vanek and defenseman Dion Phaneuf. Vanek has bounced around in recent years but he still scored 16 goals in just 64 games last season, a 20-goal pace. As training camp approaches, he should still garner some interest. Meanwhile, Phaneuf is coming off a disastrous season that saw him get bought out by the Kings. His market is likely more restricted and he may have to take a PTO somewhere to start.
Gavin held his weekly Thursday chat. Topics included what Pittsburgh could do to get cap compliant once Marcus Pettersson re-signs, where Bowen Byram will likely play this coming season, the price tag for extensions for a pair of veteran Blues, Edmonton’s cap situation, and more.
While things could still change in the coming weeks, the bulk of the heavy lifting has been done this summer. Which team has improved the most? Click here to cast your ballot.