Open Thread: Free Agent Frenzy
An open thread to discuss the signings, trades, speculation, and general craziness of July 1.
It's almost upon us.
July 1 marks the start of NHL free agency and is appropriately a national holiday in Canada.
There are few topics for Sens fans to consider heading into one of the busiest days of the NHL year:
Jason Spezza
Spezza is still a member of the Senators but tomorrow marks another great opportunity to move the star centre. However, just like the draft, Spezza's fate is tied to UFA Paul Stastny. Stastny, who has played his whole career in Colorado, appears determined to test the free agent market.
Paul Stastny and the Avalanche were not able to get a deal done. He'll hit the market tomorrow. #tvasports
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) July 1, 2014 With Paul Stastny and the St. Louis Blues interested in each other, the list of potential Spezza suitors is cut down by one.
Fortunately, the Dallas Stars have interest in Spezza.
STL and DAL are the two teams who currently have interest in OTT's Jason Spezza. Doesn't sound like a deal is close.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 30, 2014 Complicating matters is the fact that Spezza can submit a new list of teams starting tomorrow.
Seems to indicate that Spezza will submit new 10 team list on July 1. Will be interesting if it's the same 10. #Sens pic.twitter.com/zK0lLnWiTZ
— SensChirp (@SensChirp) June 30, 2014 Just to clear it up: Spezza would accept a trade to Dallas. There was some confusion. #Sens #ottnews
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) June 30, 2014 Once the Stastny situation is resolved, and with the pre-July 1 chat period between clubs and players we should have to wait long, we should have a clearer picture on the Spezza front.
Benoit Pouliot
While they won't be big spenders tomorrow, the Ottawa Senators have been linked to a few players ahead of July 1. One of the most interesting names is Benoit Pouliot, most recently seen in the Stanley Cup Final, playing for the Rangers.
Pouliot is a local player, and the team has shown an affinity for drafting and acquiring such players in the past.
#Sens and #Rangers UFA Benoit Pouliot share a mutual interest. The LW is considered a useful depth player and resides in the vicinity.
— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) June 30, 2014 Check out Sheer_Craziness' Sens Free Agency primer.