Vegas has sent the NHL into the off season, but there are still things to do.
The 2022-23 NHL season has concluded, now what do we do?
Don’t worry hockey fans, there are several key dates coming up that should keep you interested until the dog days of summer arrive.
First up will be the 2023 NHL buyout window. The first buyout period this year starts 48 hours after the Stanley Cup playoffs end. So, with Vegas ending it last night, clubs will start the process of figuring out if they wish to buy a player out, and that process must conclude by June 30th at 5pm ET.
What will Columbus do during the buyout season? Probably nothing. There are only two players that I can think of that would even be in the realm of possibility, and that’s Jack Roslovic and Erik Gudbranson, but neither of those are happening in my eyes.
Next up with be the 2023 NHL awards broadcast live from Nashville inside Bridgestone Arena. They will be live on TNT at 8pm ET, Monday June 26th. Some of the awards up for grabs are:
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These are just some of the awards that will be given out that night. Unfortunately, no Jackets are nominated for any awards, but next season I predict more than one will be nominated.
And then of course on June 28th, the NHL will conduct the 1st round of the entry draft. The CBJ are picking third and will choose either Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson or Will Smith. There will be a watch party at Pins Mechanical located at Easton Towne Center. The place was jam packed last year and should be jam packed again. Come out, say Hi and watch all the fun with us. Get there as early as you can though, the place is huge, but space fills up quick.
On June 29th rounds 2-7 will be conducted. The Jackets have six picks from rounds 2-7, but of course that is subject to change depending on trades.
A few days later, July 1st will be when the free agency period beings. Some of the big names that are Unrestricted free agents will be, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Vladimir Tarasenko and many more. Some of the notable Restricted free agents this year are, Alex DeBrincat, Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt. GM Jarmo Kekakainen, is rumored by many to not be done when it comes to tinkering with the roster. He’s already made his changes to the defense, but what about the offense? Does he dare to go out and try to swoon a Ryan O’Reilly or a Patrick Kane even? As always, it’s going to be interesting to see what Jarmo does.
After the draft, starts the NHL’s dog days. Other than random signings, there’s not a lot going on. The only thing really going on is all the speculation on Twitter from fans about what their team is going to do in free agency. Some people take a break, get out in the sun, and enjoy the world. It’s nice to take a break from the stressful relationship of a lot of fans have with their teams. Whatever you’re doing this summer, have fun!