I have updated the Rumor Chart Today to included what I have been hearing about the UFAs for the Islanders, Blue Jackets, and Stars...Truly some of the more intriguing players to watch this summer. Over the next 6 weeks I will be writing much more complex pieces on many of these individuals, but here is your first look at the Stars and Jackets... (The Islanders are going to be very intriguing and will be in the next blog...)
On Zuccarello...
The Stars really want to keep Zuccarello and will make a big play, but they won't be alone..Edmonton is going to be shopping hard to add some experience and character and Mats fits the bill big time. The Panthers and Kings are also interested...
On Spezza...
Jason showed he still has some left in the tank this offseason...I continue to hear that he and the Senators could be open to a return...
On Panarin....
Artemi isn't a guarantee to Florida, but the Panthers will be in on him...I keep hearing both the Islanders and Rangers will be very much in on the bidding...Don't rule out Columbus completely, but I would only put a return to Columbus around 15%...as of now.
On Bobrovsky... A return to Columbus is even less likely for Bob, but keep an eye on the Islanders and Flames...
On Duchene... Duchene really fit in well in Ottawa and they will be the team to beat for sure.. .the funny thing about Matt is the other two teams interested are the Islanders and Stars....I wouldn't be completely shocked if Nashville were to get in on Matt, but that will take some doing for the Preds to get the space.... On Dzingel...
The Jackets felt confident that they could get Ryan to stay in Columbus because of his Ohio State roots...However, it wont be a slam dunk as he didn't always see eye to eye with Torts.. Other teams who liked Ryan at the deadline are most likely to be involved including Minnesota and Arizona.
More to come