So there is this rule in the NHL against “tampering.” At one point, back in the 1900s, this rule was taken relatively seriously. Teams couldn’t talk to players until July 1 when the official UFA and RFA signing periods began.. Basically you weren’t allowed to pass notes in class. But that has changed in a very high school like way. If you’re interested in someone all you have to do is ask one of their friends to possibly ask you if they like you.. So in the NHL that equates to anything from asking a player on your own team, who is friends with that player to text him and talk about unofficially, or perhaps an agent who represents a player you’re already negotiating with that also represents a player you’re interested in…
Anyway, those high school notes are currently being passed around and have been for about a month. And now many of them are getting to me through various sources like players and agents and others…. Here’s a look at some of the top players available and teams I’m hearing them connected to so far….starting with the two players likely to hit the biggest jackpots.
Mitch Marner…
Marner is of course considered by most the top player available. He isn’t my top player available, but I get it. Statistically and production wise. He is the best player available. Who is Interested…
Many teams have at least dipped her toes in so far. An interesting one making a bit of a strong late push appears to be the LA Kings (e4). The Kings are big game hunting in a big way. They are also very interested in a major player who still playing in the Stanley Cup finals now, but that would be a trade. Other teams…Chicago (e2), Montreal (e3), Buffalo (e3), Carolina (e2), Vegas (e1)
Sam Bennett…
It’s hard to remember a time when the stock of a player is as high as it is right now for Sam Bennett. This is a 50 point player in the regular season, but is shown in the playoffs that he’s capable of carrying a team. Who is Interested…
I believe that Florida may have already worked out something with Sam Bennett. I don’t know this to be true. This is just speculation, but the sides weren’t that far apart before when they talked and Bennett has to know he’s in the best possible place to play. Other teams… Philly (e3). Detroit(e4), Colorado (e2), Vegas (2), Utah (e3), Boston (e2).
Nik Ehlers…
The King of Denmark Hockey was a major part in Denmark’s “Miracle on Ice” last month when the Danes knocked out the mighty Canadians in the worlds. We always know, and Nick to be incredibly consistent with scoring and a true power place specialist that helped the Winnipeg Jets PowerPlay this past season to be just ridiculous. In the worlds we also saw the leader he is… Who is Interested…
The team I’m hearing mostly when it comes to Ehlers is the Calgary Flames (e4). The flames are an interesting team this off-season, because in 24/25 they showed a lot more pep and competitiveness than was expected. A huge part of that has to do with Dustin Wolfe, who had one of the best rookie goalie seasons ever.. Also Tampa(e3), LA Kings(e2), Capitals(e2), Seattle (e2), NY Rangers (e3).
I’ll be back to discuss three more key UFA/RA tomorrow…Marchand, Tavares, Boeser….
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