Dallas Stars goaltender Scott Wedgewood is expected to test free agency on July 1st (as per Sean Shapiro of EP Rinkside). The 31-year-old is coming off a two-year, $2MM that was the first one-way NHL deal of Wedgewood’s career. The Etobicoke, Ontario native has made it clear that he would like a raise on his $1MM and given that he didn’t start making NHL money until he was 29, it makes sense that would attempt to maximize his earning potential while he has a window to do so.
Wedgewood wasn’t great last season, posting a 16-7-5 record with the Stars, a 2.85 goals-against average, and a .899 save percentage. However, the free-agent goalie market is very thin this summer and he should have an opportunity to get a multi-year deal at bigger money than his last contract.
In other free agency notes:
- The Buffalo Sabres are still waiting to hear if forward Zemgus Girgensons plans to test free agency (as per Lance Lysowski). It was reported a month ago that the Sabres wouldn’t re-sign the 30-year-old, but they have reportedly offered him a contract to stay in Buffalo. The Riga, Latvia native has spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the Sabres, dressing in 688 games. Girgensons has only topped 20 points twice in his career and not since the 2014-15 season. He signed a one-year $2.5MM last June to forgo free agency but had the worst offensive season of his career with just eight goals and six assists in 63 games. While he didn’t produce much offense, his possession numbers at even-strength weren’t awful with a CF% of 49.2%.
- Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet writes that the Carolina Hurricanes could change their mind on trading forward Martin Necas. The Hurricanes have been trying to sign pending unrestricted free agent Jake Guentzel and if he leaves Friedman believes the team could keep Necas and go to arbitration or sign a one-year deal. Carolina let the Columbus Blue Jackets negotiate a contract extension with Necas in an attempt to trade for the fourth overall pick, but the two sides weren’t able to reach an agreement.
The fact Jake Guentzel hasn’t signed with CAR despite practically giving him a deal in line with what he wants. Tells me, his interest are apparently elsewhere with another suitor whether it’s with VAN, NYR, DET, UT or the newly interested TBL. All these teams have had reported interest in him in some capacity.
Please don’t resign Grigs Buffalo.
Wow, I’m super glad Columbus didn’t make that trade. Lindstrom is a great pick for Columbus, and I really don’t think Nečas would have been worth it.
I’m wondering if Winnipeg – with an unhappy duo of Ehlers & Groaty – isn’t the perfect partner for the Canes. Not suggesting that it’d be a 2-for-1 deal (Canes would need to buck up) but it makes a lot of sense…
Well this should tell you something, Tyler Toffoli who would have been a great fit in the Sabres top six is going to sign with San Jose?? Really? They are nowhere near being competitive and yet they outbid the Sabres?? This should tell you all you need to know about the Sabres ability to sign free agents. Stamkos and Marchessault are going to sign with Nashville and we will sign some fourth line player who will play in Rochester. I hope Adams has some trade plans because he is obviously is skipping the big free agents. Frustrated to say the least.