Mathew Barzal is still sitting out there. Mikhail Sergachev is still unsigned. So is Anthony Cirelli and Jake DeBrusk. All these players are RFAs in this age of uncertainty. Right now we seriously don't know how this will play out. The feeling is we are looking at shorter-term bridge deals for far less than these players have earned... Barzal will get done, the Isles have cap space reserved for him. The Lightning are in trouble and still trying to move Johnson to make room...and that may not be enough. The Predators are the most likely spot to move Johnson, but the fact it hasn't happened yet means it will be a painful move including maybe a first-round pick going to the Preds.
And none of this compares to what is coming next...the NHL 2021 offseason will likely start in August. The eligible RFA's in ten months are probably the best class of RFA's we've ever seen.
The list is daunting.
Patrik Laine.
There is a simple reason the Jets are entertaining offers STILL.
Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes...
Already two of the best players in the world at their positions. Pettersson could be in the McDavid realm.
Rasmus Dahlin...
Could be the next Hedman. The Sabres have the space but this needs to get done.
Miro Heiskanen...
We saw what this kid could do in the bubble. Many compare to Lidstrom...and that is not an unfair comparison.
Brady Tkachuk...
We all agree that we like what the Sens are doing...all of that assumes they can keep this kid.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi...
The Canadiens went into the playoffs this year pretty much on his shoulders...
Andrei Svechnikov...
61 points in 68 games for the Canes. He's a HUGE factor in them moving forward. The most popular Hurricane...by a lot.
Ilya Sorokin...
The Islanders fans are going to finally get to see Sorokin and what this goalie brings. Have you seen this kid on Youtube? He is a mix of Hasek and Vasilevski. He is as good as any goalie ALREADY in the NHL. If the Islanders had him in the bubble who knows where the Cup is now. He will get one year to show before he becomes an RFA. Lou will find a way to tie him up forever, but he may have to make some serious trades to make it happen. Toews was already moved out...partially because of Sorokin in my opinion.
Here's some highlights...they are nuts.
And there are other RFAs as well...but that top list is truly insane...
Take this class of RFAs, the flat cap, and the coming expansion draft and you are looking at MAJOR trades throughout this season for sure...You will see some in the next few months even....as soon as the NHL plan is finalized teams will be on the clock.
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