NHL free agency opens at noon ET, with some big names slated to hit the market. Here's the latest speculation and reports on them.
The NHL's free-agent market opens at noon ET on July 1.
Here's what we're hearing about some of the most notable pending UFAs, which no longer includes Patrick Kane after he re-signed with the Detroit Red Wings Sunday evening.
Steven Stamkos: The Hockey News' Jacob Stoller suggests the Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings as potential landing spots for the 34-year-old scoring winger. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes the Predators are the likely destination, while the New York Post's Larry Brooks thinks the Rangers will be interested.
Jake Guentzel: The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired his signing rights from the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. Arthur Staple of The Athletic felt the Rangers could come calling if the 29-year-old winger still opts to test the market on Monday, but that won't happen now. Guentzel signed a seven-year deal worth $9 million per season.
Elias Lindholm: TSN's Darren Dreger reported last Thursday the 29-year-old two-way center was heading to market after splitting the 2023-24 season with the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks. Dreger wondered if Lindholm would be a good fit with the Boston Bruins.
Brady Skjei: The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun speculated on Friday that there was still a chance the 29-year-old defenseman could sign an extension with the Hurricanes. Otherwise, he expected the Predators could be in on Skjei. The Los Angeles Kings could also become a suitor.
Jonathan Marchessault: On Thursday, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reported the Vegas Golden Knights were still trying to re-sign the 33-year-old winger. But on Sunday night, Marchessault could not come to terms with Vegas and is heading to market. The Hockey News' Michael DeRosa suggested the Bruins as a potential destination if Marchessault ends up leaving Las Vegas. The Detroit Red Wings could be another option.
Brandon Montour: On Friday, The Hockey News' Max Miller cited Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman saying the Florida Panthers won't have the salary cap flexibility to re-sign the 30-year-old defenseman. A right-hand shot, Montour could be targeted by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Tyler Toffoli: Two of Toffoli's former clubs could be interested in the 32-year-old two-way forward. The Province's Ben Kuzma suggested the Vancouver Canucks could make Toffoli an option if they lose out in the Jake Guentzel sweepstakes. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes the Los Angeles Kings have him on their radar.
Brett Pesce: The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported on Friday that the 29-year-old right-shot defenseman is heading to the free agent market. TSN's Chris Johnston reported the New Jersey Devils should be considered a front-runner for Pesce. The Maple Leafs could also make inquiries.
Sam Reinhart: “There is not a person in the league who thinks Reinhart is going to free agency,” Friedman said on Friday. There was nothing to suggest otherwise in the media rumor mill, and it appears Reinhart agreed to an eight-year deal just before the midnight deadline. Friedman reports the cap hit came in at $8.625 million, with the deal to be announced Monday.
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