2017 Free agency thread.

Dobson agrees to three-year contract with Islanders
Defenseman was chosen No. 12 in 2018 NHL Draft...

Noah Dobson agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the New York Islanders on Monday.

The 18-year-old defenseman, chosen with the No. 12 pick of the 2018 NHL Draft, had 69 points (17 goals, 52 assists) with Acadie-Bathurst of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last season. He had 13 points (three goals, 10 assists) in 20 playoff games and helped his team win the Memorial Cup for the first time in its history.

Dobson (6-foot-3, 180 pounds) has 95 points (24 goals, 71 assists) in 130 QMJHL games.(NHL.com)

 

Tkachuk signs three-year contract with Senators
No. 4 pick of 2018 NHL Draft opts to turn professional rather than return to college...

"I am very excited to be a Senator," Tkachuk told NHL.com. "It was a tough choice because I loved my time at Boston University. I want to thank everyone who has helped me. I'm super excited to get things started."

The 18-year-old forward was selected by the Senators with the No. 4 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. He had 31 points (eight goals, 23 assists) in 40 games last season, and led Boston University in assists and shots on goal (131). He also helped the United States win the bronze medal at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship with nine points (three goals, six assists) in seven games.

Tkachuk (6-foot-3, 196 pounds) chose to sign his first professional contract rather than return to college for his sophomore season. He is eligible to play for Belleville in the American Hockey League because he was drafted from an NCAA team.

"Brady Tkachuk exemplifies all the attributes around which we want to improve the Ottawa Senators," general manager Pierre Dorion said. "He is a young man of exceptional character. We know how much he agonized over leaving Boston University, and we are encouraged by the degree of accountability and commitment this shows from him.

"Through tenacity, combativeness and work ethic, he also exemplifies leadership skills that we know will benefit the team now and well into the future. Most of all, Brady has shown us through his maturity that he is coachable, committed to teamwork and determined to help us strengthen our team chemistry. For all these reasons, he is an exciting young player whose growth and development we are eager to support."

Tkachuk's father, United States Hockey Hall of Fame member Keith Tkachuk, told NHL.com on Saturday that Brady opted to turn pro.

"We had Brady home this weekend and he decided to sign," Keith Tkachuk said. "He is so emotional right now because he loves [Boston University] and his teammates."

 

Santini signs three-year contract with Devils
Defensemen gets $4.25 million, was restricted free agent

 

Am I losing a grasp on the salary standards lately? It seems like quite a few teams are paying too much for mediocre players.

It’s not like he’s the “Great Santini” or anything.

 

I think teams are willing to spend a little more than they should on guys that, while mediocre, patch a potential hole lower on their roster. I think defensemen are getting the benefit of a leaner supply, and being paid more accordingly. When there are only scraps available, but you're starving, you're willing to cough up a little more...

 

I understand your point dline and I do appreciate the input, but I’m having a tough time justifying $1M for 20 games by someone such as Santini. It just seems a bit high.

 

I think they’re probably projecting with this deal. $1.4 for a bottom pair guy with upside isn’t that bad..... as long as he actually deserves to be there. TBD.
He’ll still be a restricted FA when this expires so they might’ve paid up a bit now for leverage later.
And to dline’s point, supply and demand among D works for the kid.

Agreed though, they paid this kid early.

Santini was one of the 6 or 7 guys that all turned pro and left BC the same summer a couple years ago. Demko, McCoshen, Tuch, Wood, Santini, Sanford..... think that’s it.

 

Ellis signs eight-year extension with Predators

Defenseman to get $50 million, could have been UFA after this season...

 

Wait... I misread Santini’s deal. Didn’t realize it was over 3 years, a buck and change is fair value. I’m still using The Great Santini though.

 

Ondrej Kase re-signs with Ducks for 3 years, $7.8 million
Kase scored 20 goals for the Ducks last season.

 

Panthers sign Brouwer, one way, $850K.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/spor...77ef8a-aa2e-11e8-9a7d-cd30504ff902_story.html

So, if you need a bottom 6 forward, come on down! We've got them in droves! Big ones, small ones, old ones, young ones... Take your pick!

Not really sure what the thinking is here. They already have a huge log jam at the bottom of the forward position.

 

sounds like the Flyers 4th line and half of their 3rd line haha.

 

interesting move by Tallon. he's going toe to toe with the Islanders to see who can acquire more dime-a-dozen Fs.

 

Blake Wheeler resigns in Winnipeg. 5 years, $41.25 (8.25 per).
32 years old, should be a good deal all around for the first half of it, not so sure on the latter end of this deal.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/jets-sign-blake-wheeler-five-year-extension/

 

Very underrated player.

 

Morrissey signs two-year contract with Jets...

 

Reinhart, Sabres end stalemate with two-year bridge deal...

The Sam Reinhart Stalemate is finally over.

The 22-year-old signed on the dotted line on Wednesday, inking a new two-year bridge deal with an annual average value of $3.65 million.

The deal is good value for the Buffalo Sabres, who are right up against the 2018-19 salary cap of $79.5 million. CapFriendly shows the Sabres with just over $2.8 million in cap space left but with the potential to have to pay out nearly $4 million in bonuses this season. (PHT)

 

Luca Sbisa signs a 1 year deal with the isles.

 

Letetsu gets cut from Florida during his try-out period. Roster is down to 32. Of the guys remaining, I don't think anyone gets bought out, but it could be a possibility. Not sure any of those guys would necessarily be FA's worth signing, in that case. Haley might be an AHL'er until Montreal comes to town, and then sent back afterwards...