Jul 1, 2019
Free Agent Frenzy Live Blog
TSN.ca Staff
Keep up to date with all the latest from NHL free agency with TSN.ca's Free Agent Frenzy live blog.
4:38pm et: Lee back to Long Island
Forward Anders Lee is signing a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $7 million according to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun.
Lee threw fuel on the fire minutes before LeBrun reported his signing by tweeting out a YouTube video of the "I'm not leaving" song from the movie Wolf of Wall Street.
4:12pm et: Hurricanes weigh in
The Carolina Hurricanes' official Twitter account has weighed in on Sebastian Aho.
'Will we match the offer sheet for Sebastian Aho?" they tweeted as a poll question with two answers -- "Yes" and "Oui."
While it obviously doesn't constitute an official announcement, it may give insight into which way the Hurricanes are leaning.
3:43pm et: Caps agree to deal with Leipsic
Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said the team has agreed to terms with forward Brendan Leipsic.
3:36pm et: Bergevin speaks on Aho offer sheet
Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin spoke with the media regarding his offer sheet of Sebatian Aho.
"When you make an offer like that, we saw a vulnerable position. The offer, with the compensation and the youngsters we have, we realized that it was the best chance we had to get the player," Bergevin said.
When asked if he's worried about consequences from other GMs, the Habs' GM had this to say.
“I’m responsible to Geoff Molson and our fans."
3:20pm et: No offer sheet for Connor, yet
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports Winnipeg Jets RFA Kyle Connor received calls from other teams today, but it's unclear whether they will lead to anything further at this point.
3:08pm et: Waddell Speaks
Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said he expected an offer sheet to Aho to be worth more money than the five-year contract the Montreal Canadiens offered worth $8.54 million annually.
"It's certainly a surprise, it's a surprise it wasn't more," Waddell said. "Literally we got the email at 2:40 today so all people are not fully aware yet."
Waddell said Sebastian Aho's camp informed him there would not be a counter offer coming to team on Friday, leading him to believe an offer sheet could be in the works.
Waddell called Aho the team's best player and said the team wants to keep him. He said he couldn't comment on the situation since he'd only been informed of it by the Canadiens roughly 20 minutes before his availability.
"I know my summer just got better. I won't have to spend all summer negotiating a contract," Wadell said. "So we'll make a decision on it and move on."
The general manager said the AAV offered by the Canadiens was slightly higher than he'd hoped to sign Aho for, though "not of whack." He called the five-year term disappointing for the Hurricanes if they are to match, since the team had hoped to sign Aho to a longer term.
Waddell said it would likely benefit the Canadiens if he matched the offer immediately, and noted he wasn't overly interested in helping them at the moment.
2:41pm et: Habs offer sheet Aho
The Montreal Canadiens have tendered an offer sheet to restricted free agent Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes.
The deal is for five years at a cap hit of $8.454 million. Since the AAV of the offer is under $8,454,871, the compensation back to Carolina would be a first-, a second-, and third-round draft pick.
The Hurricanes have seven days to match the offer.
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports the first-year signing bonus on the deal is $11.3 million with $700,000 in salary and the second year carries a $9.87 million signing bonus with $700,000 in salary.
The 21-year-old scored 30 goals and recorded 83 points in 82 games this past season.
Aho was drafted in the second round (35th overall) by Carolina in the 2015 NHL Draft. In 2018-19, Aho was named to the NHL All-Star Game.
Ryan O'Reilly was previously the last player to receive an offer sheet, signing a two-year deal with the Calgary Flames in 2013 that was matched by the Colorado Avalanche.
2:52pm et: Preds confirm Duchene deal
Matt Duchene has officially signed a seven-year, $56 million deal with the Predators.
2:35pm et: Sharks make Meier deal official
The San Jose Sharks have confirmed the signing of RFA Timo Meier to a four-year contract. TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBurn reported earlier the deal is worth $6 million per year.
"Timo is one of only a few young, dominant power forwards in the NHL and we're extremely pleased that he stepped forward to make this commitment to the Sharks," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said. "Timo has elevated himself into a core part of our hockey team and his play last season was a huge part of our success. We feel that his best hockey is still ahead of him."
The Sharks also confirmed the signing of defenceman Tim Heed to a one-year contract extension.
2:33pm et: Lightning sign Schenn
The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed defenceman Luke Schenn to a one-year contract worth $700,000.
The Lightning also confirmed the signing of goaltender Curtis McElhinney to a two-year, $2.6 million deal.
2:30pm et: Honest words from Pavelski
Joe Pavelski gave an honest answer when asked about his decision to join the Dallas Stars from the San Jose Sharks.
2:24pm et: Red Wings add Pickard
The Detroit Red Wings have signed goaltender Calvin Pickard to a two-year contract.
2:15pm et: Who's left?
Only seven players listed in the top 20 of TSN Hockey's top free agents remain available:
4. Anders Lee
7. Marcus Johansson
10. Jake Gardiner
11. Robin Lehner
13. Ben Hutton
18. Micheal Ferland
19. Ryan Dzingel
2:03pm et: Panthers make Stralman official
The Florida Panthers have officially signed defenceman Anton Stralman to a three-year contract worth $5.5 million per season.
1:56pm et: Khaira returns to Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed forward Jujhar Khaira on a two-year contract, the team announced.
The Oilers have also confirmed the signings of Thomas Jurco, Markus Granlund and goaltender Mike Smith
1:54pm et: Leafs add a defenceman
The Toronto Maple Leafs are signing defenceman Kevin Gravel to a one-year, $700,000 deal, according to TSN Senior Hockey Reporter Frank Seravalli.
1:49pm et: Simmonds lands with Devils
The New Jersey Devils have signed Wayne Simmonds to a one-year, $5 million contract.
1:48pm et: Golden Knights retain two
The Vegas Golden Knights have re-signed Tomas Nosek and Brandon Pirri. Nosek signed a one-year deal worth $1 million, while Pirri signed for two seasons at a $775,000 cap hit.
1:46pm et: Sens officially add Ennis
The Ottawa Senators have officially signed Tyler Ennis to a one-year, $800,000 contract. Ennis had 12 goals and 18 points in 51 games with the Maple Leafs last season.
1:42pm et: Sharks bid farewell to Pavelski
San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson issued the following statement on captain Joe Pavelski joining the Dallas Stars.
"From being a seventh-round draft pick in 2003 to serving as captain of our team for the last four seasons, Joe Pavelski's place in Sharks history is firmly cemented and he will be sorely missed.
Joe led by example, not only as a player but as a person, and the impact he has had on this franchise and his teammates will be felt for years to come.
Under a cap system, these extremely difficult separations are a reality and, unfortunately, we could not find common ground on dollars and term to keep Joe in San Jose. However, like many other players around the NHL, Joe has earned the right to become a free agent. We respect his decision and want to thank Joe, his wife Sarah and son, Nate, for 13 wonderful seasons. They will always be part of the San Jose Sharks family."
1:38pm et: Flames sign Talbot
The Calgary Flames have officially signed goaltender Cam Talbot to a one-year, $2.75 million deal.
1:30pm et: Bellemare to Avs
The Colorado Avalanche have signed Pierre-Edouard Bellemare to a two-year deal worth $1.8 million per season, according to TSN Senior Hockey Reporter Frank Seravalli.
1:21pm et: $451 million spent
The UFA market opened less than 90 minutes ago and teams have already spent a total of $451 million.
Former Columbus Blue Jackets Artemi Panarin ($81.5 million), Sergei Bobrovsky ($70 million) and Matt Duchene ($58 million) are over $200 million combined.
Anders Lee, Marcus Johansson and Jake Gardiner are the top ranked UFAs still available.
1. Artemi Panarin - New York Rangers - seven years, $81 million
2. Matt Duchene - Nashville Predators - seven years, $56 million
3. Sergei Bobrovsky - Florida Panthers - seven years, $70 million
4. Anders Lee
5. Tyler Myers - Vancouver Canucks - five years, $30 million
6. Joe Pavelski - Dallas Stars - three years, $21 million
7. Marcus Johansson
8. Mats Zuccarello - Minnesota Wild - five years, $30 million
9. Corey Perry - Dallas Stars - one year, $1.5 million
10. Jake Gardiner
1:19pm et: Pavelski is a Star
The Dallas Stars have confirmed the addition of former San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski on a three-year, $21 million deal.
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun adds the deal will carry a full no-trade clause in the first two seasons and a modified no-trade clause in Year 3.
Pavelski, 34, scored more goals than any other player in this year's UFA class this past season with 38.
1:16pm et: Beaulieu coming back
Nathan Beaulieu is returning to the Winnipeg Jets on a one-year, $1 million contract.
1:14pm et: Avs to keep Wilson
The Colorado Avalanche will not lose Colin Wilson to free agency. The forward, who scored 12 goals and 27 points last season told The Athletic he is re-signing with the Avalanche.
1:11pm et: Recap
Miss anything? Here's your recap of Hour 1 of Free Agent Frenzy:
1:08pm et: Capitals land Panik
The Washington Capitals have signed Richard Panik to a four-year, $11 million contract.
1:04pm et: Back to Bob
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports Bobrovsky's deal with the Panthers is worth $10 million per season on the seven-year term.
He is now the league's second-highest paid goaltender behind only Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens.
1:02pm et: Panarin is a Ranger
The Rangers have officially agreed to terms with Artemi Panarin.
1pm et: Bobrovsky officially a Panther
The Florida Panthers have officially signed the top free agent goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to a seven-year deal.
12:59pm et: Chiasson returning to Oilers
Alex Chiasson will return to the Oilers on a two-year deal worth $2.15 million, according to TSN Hockey's Ryan Rishaug.
12:56pm et: Nyquist to CBJ
The Columbus Blue Jackets will sign Gustav Nyquist to a four-year deal worth $5.5 million per season, according to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie.
Nyquist had 22 goals and 60 points in 81 games with the Red Wings and Sharks last season.
12:52pm et: Donskoi to join Avalanche
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports the Colorado Avalanche are expected to sign Joonas Donskoi to a four-year deal worth $3.9 million per season.
Donskoi posted back-to-back 14-goal seasons with the San Jose Sharks.
12:45pm et: Myers details
Tyler Myers' five year, $30 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks will carry a full no-move clause in 2019-20, a full no-trade clause in the following two seasons and a 10-team no-trade list in the last two years, according to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger.
The Canucks have made their signings of both Myers and Jordie Benn (two years at a $2 million AAV) official.
12:40pm et: Red Wings add Filppula
The Detroit Red Wings have signed Valtteri Filppula to a two-year deal
12:33pm et: Lee the last of the Top 5 Free agents
Anders Lee is the last of TSN Hockey's top five free agents without a deal. To recap:
1. Artemi Panarin - New York Rangers - seven years, $81 million
2. Matt Duchene - Nashville Predators - seven years, $56 million
3. Sergei Bobrovsky - Florida Panthers
4. Anders Lee
5. Tyler Myers - Vancouver Canucks - five years, $30 million
6. Joe Pavelski - Dallas Stars - three years, $21 million
7. Marcus Johansson
8. Mats Zuccarello - Minnesota Wild - five years, $30 million
9. Corey Perry - Dallas Stars - one year, $1.5 million
10. Jake Gardiner
12:30pm et: Duchene details
The Nashville Predators have signed forward Matt Duchene to a seven-year, $56 million contract according to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger.
The deal includes $28 million in signing bonus money.
12:26pm et: Panarin's Cap Hit
TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports Artemi Panarin will carry a cap hit of $11.642 million on a seven-year deal with the Rangers.
The total deal is a seven-year, $81.494 million contract with the Rangers for the Russian winger.
12:24pm et: Another D in Vancouver
The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenceman Oscar Fantenberg to a one-year, $850,000 contract, TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reports.
The Canucks are also expected to sign Tyler Myers and Jordie Benn to boost their blueline today.
12:20pm et: Panarin to carry an $11.6M cap hit
Top ranked free agent Artemi Panarin is expected to carry an $11.6 million AAV on his new deal with the New York Rangers.
12:17pm et: Zuccarello joins Wild
Mats Zuccarello has signed a five-year, $30 million deal with the Minnesota Wild.
12:16pm et: Spezza joins Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially signed veteran centre Jason Spezza to a one-year, $700,000 deal.
12:15pm et: Tanev deal official
Brandon Tanev has officially signed a six-year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins worth $3.5 million per season.
12:14pm et: Kinkaid deal official
Keith Kinkaid has signed a one-year, $1.75 million deal with the Montreal Canadiens,
12:12pm et: Murray re-signs with CBJ
The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed restricted free agent Ryan Murray to a two-year contract extension.
12:09pm: Panarin under $12M?
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger adds that Artemi Panarin's deal is expected to be worth less than $12 million per season. Dreger reported earlier that Panarin was believed to have left money on the table to join the Rangers.
12:07pm: Hathaway joins Capitals
Former Calgary Flame Garnet Hathaway has joined the Washington Capitals on a four-year deal worth $1.5 million per season, TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports.
12:03pm: Tanev details
The Pittsburgh Penguins are closing a six-year deal from Brandon Tanev worth around $3..5 million per season, per TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie.
12:01pm et: Meier staying in San Jose
The San Jose Sharks are closing on an extension with RFA Timo Meier. Meier had 30 goals and 66 points in 78 games last season.
Lebrun reports the deal is expected to be for four years at a $6 million AAV.
11:59am et: Panthers to add Acciari
Noel Acciaro is expected to join the Florida Panthers on a three-year deal worth $1.67 million per year, TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports.
11:56am et: Pens going long-term on Tanev
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reports the Pittsburgh Penguins are closing on a five or six-year deal with Winnipeg Jets forward Brandon Tanev.
Tanev scored 14 goals and had 29 points in 81 games last season.
11:52am et: Trying to keep track
With Panarin now likely to land with the Rangers, Anders Lee is the lone player ranked in the top six of TSN Hockey's top UFAs without a reported landing spot.
To recap:
1. Artemi Panarin - expected to join New York Rangers
2. Matt Duchene - expected to join Nashville Predators
3. Sergei Bobrovsky - expected to join Florida Panthers
4. Anders Lee
5. Tyler Myers - expected to join Vancouver Canucks
6. Joe Pavelski - expected to join Dallas Stars
11:55 am et: Sabres likely to land John Gilmour
TSN Senior Hockey Reporter Frank Seravalli reports the Buffalo Sabres are expected to sign defenceman John Gilmour to a one-year, $700,000 contract.
11:46am et: Rangers to land Panarin?
According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, all signs point to the New York Rangers landing Artemi Panarin.
Dreger added that Panarin is believed to be leaving money on the table to join the Rangers. The New York Islanders also had significant interest in TSN Hockey's top ranked free agent.
11:43am et: Bruins to extend Clifton
Boston Bruins will sign forward Connor Clifton to a three-year, $3 million extension once he becomes eligible at Noon et, TSN Senior Hockey Reporter Frank Seravalli reports.
11:34am et: Habs find their backup?
TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports the Montreal Canadiens are working to complete a one-year deal with goaltender Keith Kinkaid.
11:33am et: Red Wings to add Nemeth
TSN Senior Hockey Reporter Frank Seravalli reports the Detroit Red Wings will add defenceman Patrick Nemeth on a two-year deal, which will carry a higher cap hit than this $2.5 million salary last season.
11:26am et: Another D to Vancouver
The Vancouver Canucks were already expected to add Tyler Myers today, but TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports he won't be their only new blueliner.
According to LeBrun, the Canucks will also add Jordie Benn on a two-year deal.
11:24am et: Hartman lands with Wild
It's been a wild week for Ryan Hartman. He was traded from the Flyers to the Stars, was not qualified and will now join the Minnesota Wild on a two-year deal carrying a $1.9 million cap hit, TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports.
11:16am et: Panthers lead Stralman chase
The Florida Panthers are the front-runners to sign veteran defenceman Anton Stralman, TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports.
The two sides are discussing a three-year deal worth a total of $16.5 million, according to LeBrun.
11:11am et: Vesey traded to Sabres
The New York Rangers have traded Jimmy Vesey to the Buffalo Sabres for a third-round draft pick in 2021.
More details on the trade here.
11:07am et: Sekera details
Andrej Sekera's deal with the Dallas Stars is expected to be worth $1.5 million in base salary with $500,000 available in potential bonuses, TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports.
11:05am et: LIVE COVERAGE
Stay up to date with everything you need to know with Free Agent Frenzy on LIVE NOW across the TSN Network.
11:03am et: Penguins lead Tanev chase
While no deal is in place yet, the Pittsburgh Penguins are a "good bet" to land Winnipeg Jets winger Brandon Tanev, TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reports.
11am et: Lazar likely Buffalo bound
TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports Calgary Flames winger Curtis Lazar is expected to join the Buffalo Sabres on a one-year, $700,000 deal.
10:59am et: Donskoi, Avalanche closing on deal
While there's still work to be done on salary, TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports that if the Colorado Avalanche can sign Joonas Donskoi it will be a four-year deal.
Donskoi scored 14 goals and posted 37 points in 80 games with the Sharks.
10:56am et: Oilers out on Nyquist
TSN Hockey's Ryan Rishaug reports the Oilers are now expected to miss out on Gustav Nyquist, who is commanding more than they are looking to spend.
10:52am et: Sekera likely to join Stars
TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports the Stars are expected to sign recently bought out Oilers defenceman Andrej Sekera to a one-year deal today.
The Stars are also expected to sign Joe Pavelski and Corey Perry today.
10:48am et: Offer Sheet Coming?
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports three different teams have contacted the Carolina Hurricanes hinting at an offer sheet on Sebastian Aho.
LeBrun reports Hurricanes told teams they would match any offer sheet on Aho, but will entertain trade talks. The insider believes the Montreal Canadiens are among those to touch in with Carolina on Aho.
10:39am et: Granlund details
The Edmonton Oilers will add Markus Granlund on a one-year deal today, which TSN's Hockey Ryan Rishaug reports will be worth around $1.3 million .
Granlund, 26, had 12 goals and 22 points in 77 games with the Vancouver Canucks this past season. He was not qualified by the Canucks last week, allowing him to hit free agency.
10:16am et: Talbot details
The Calgary Flames are expected to sign goaltender Cam Talbot on Monday and TSN Senior Reporter Frank Seravalli reports the one-year contract will be worth roughly $2.75 million.
Talbot had an 11-17-3 record this past season with a 3.40 goals-against average and an .892 save percentage in 35 games with the Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers.
10:06am et: Blue Jackets extend G Korpisalo
The Blue Jackets will have at least half of their goalie tandem from this season back for next year.
The team signed RFA Joonas Korpisalo to a one-year contract extension on Monday. Financial details were not disclosed.
The Blue Jackets are expected to lose starter Sergei Bobrovsky to the Florida Panthers today.
10am et: Oilers in on Nyquist?
TSN's Ryan Rishaug believes it would make sense for the Edmonton Oilers to be pursuing winger Gustav Nyquist today.
Rishaug points out that the team may now have the cap space to add Nyquist after buying out Andrej Sekera on Sunday.
Nyquist is TSN Hockey's 12th ranked free agent after scoring 22 goals and posting 60 points in 81 games.
9:54am et: Lee's Value
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports New York Islanders winger Anders Lee could command upwards of $9 million per season when he signs today. Portzline notes that the Columbus Blue Jackets will not be in on Lee if he signs for a salary in that range.
Lee is TSN Hockey's fourth ranked UFA andTSN Senior Hockey Reporter Frank Seravalli wrote more on his value last week.
9:46am et: Hainsey getting a raise
As previously reported, Ron Hainsey is expected to sign with the Ottawa Senators, but he appears to be set for a significant raise in doing so.
According to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, the 38-year-old is expected to carry a $3.5 million AAV on his new deal. He is coming off a two-year, $6 million signed with the Maple Leafs in 2017.
9:42am et: Oilers to add Granlund
The Edmonton Oilers will add Markus Granlund on a one-year deal today, TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports.
Granlund, 26, had 12 goals and 22 points in 77 games with the Vancouver Canucks this past season. He was not qualified by the Canucks last week, allowing him to hit free agency.
9:35am et: Myers update
The Vancouver Canucks are still expected to land TSN Hockey's top ranked free agent defenceman, Tyler Myers, on a five-year deal worth roughly $6 million per season.
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger adds that the two sides discussed a six-year term before settling on five years with a bonus-heavy structure.
Myers, ranked fifth on TSN Hockey's Free Agent Frenzy Top 50, is one of two defenceman in the top 10, along with Jake Gardiner, who is ranked 10th.
9:28am et: Ceci, Leafs reach verbal deal
According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, Cody Ceci has verbally agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ceci, acquired earlier Monday in a deal which saw Nikita Zaitsev and Connor Brown head to Ottawa, was arbitration eligible as an RFA this summer.
TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie adds that despite prior speculation otherwise, Ceci will play for the Leafs this season.
9:19am et: Sens adding more Leafs
The Ottawa Senators added Nikita Zaitsev and Connor Brown earlier Monday and are now expected to add two more members of the 2018-19 Toronto Maple Leafs.
TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports the Senators are expected to sign defenceman Ron Hainsey and winger Tyler Ennis when the market opens at Noon et.
Zaitsev and Hainsey made up the right side of the Maple Leafs top four on defence for much of last season in a group that was coached by now-Senators head coach D.J. Smith. Brown and Ennis also played together at times last season, including making up two thirds of the team's fourth line in the playoffs.
9:11am et: Latest on Aho
Offer sheet speculation continues to surround Carolina Hurricanes centre Sebastian Aho.
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports the belief is the Hurricanes have offered Aho an eight-year contract worth $7.5 million annually, while Aho's camp countered at five years at a $9.5 million AAV.
LeBrun reports an offer sheet is being contemplated by some teams for Aho, but it's unclear if one will actually happen.
9:06am et: Leafs listening on Kadri
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports the Toronto Maple Leafs have taken plenty of calls on centre Nazem Kadri in recent weeks, but aren't actively shopping the two-time 30-goal scorer.
He notes the Leafs had plenty of talks regarding Kadri at the draft, and are listening to teams, but are happy to keep him unless they receive an offer they can't refuse.
The Leafs will reportedly add another centre to their roster today in Jason Spezza.
9:03am et: McElhinney headed (further) south?
According to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, the Tampa Bay Lightning are the front-runners to sign goaltender Curtis McElhinney. He adds, however, that it is not a done deal.
8:54am et: Big Apple Bound?
Arthur Staple of The Athletic reports the New York Islanders appear to have best overall offer to Artemi Panarin, with the Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers trailing them in term and/or salary.
The Islanders, Avalanche and Rangers appear to be the final three teams in the chase with Panarin reportedly having rejected a $12 million AAV from the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Florida Panthers starting to run low on cap space for him. The Panthers are reportedly close to a four-year deal with Brett Connolly and are the favourite to sign Panarin's teammate Sergei Bobrovsky, according to Bob McKenzie.
Staple's colleague at The Athletic, Aaron Portzline reports Panarin appears headed to New York, to either the Rangers or Islanders. Adrian Dater of Colorado Hockey Now also reports the Avalanche will miss out on Panarin.
8:42am et: Final Top 50
The market is just over three hours from opening and TSN Senior Hockey Reporter Frank Seravalli breaks down the latest news with the final TSN Hockey Free Agent Frenzy Top 50 rankings.
8:35am et: Spezza coming home
The new continues for the Maple Leafs, as TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie reports the team is expected to land Jason Spezza on a one-year deal. The deal is expected to be close to the NHL minimum of $700,000 for Spezza, who previously carried a $7.5 million cap hit on his expiring four-year deal with the Dallas Stars.
Spezza, 36, is a native of Toronto. He scored eight goals and posted 27 points in 76 games with the Stars this past season.
8:20am et: Sens/Leafs swap complete
The Ottawa Senators have officially acquired Nikita Zaitsev, Connor Brown and Michael Carcone in exchange for Cody Ceci, Ben Harpur Aaron Luchuk and a 2020 third-round pick.
According to CapFriendly, the Maple Leafs now have $11.42 million in cap space, with Nathan Horton's $5.3 million still available to shelve on LTIR. Ceci and Mitch Marner are the team's only remaining restricted free agents.
8:13am et: Busy Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to have their full trade in place to send Nikita Zaitsev and Connor Brown to the Ottawa Senators for Cody Ceci. The Leafs will also send the Senators forward Michael Carcone, while the Senators will trade Ben Harpur, Aaron Luchuk and a 2020 draft pick to the Leafs, along with Ceci.
Meanwhile, the team continues to work on a contract for restricted free agent Mitch Marner, who can sign an offer sheet as of Noon et.
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reports the two sides held "aggressive" extension talks Sunday and expect more to come Monday. Dreger believes either a three-year or a five-year deal will be best for Marner. He adds that there's a genuine sense around the league that a few clubs are "strongly considering an offer sheet on Marner, as well as Sebastian Aho and Kyle Connor.
8am et: Panarin watch continues
While some players appear to have already found their homes for next season, Artemi Panarin's plans for next season remain a mystery.
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reports the New York Islanders made a late push to try and pull of a sign and trade with the New York Islanders, while the New York Rangers also remain in the hunt for his services.
Panarin is TSN Hockey's top ranked free agent.
8am et: What we know so far
The Vancouver Canucks are expected to land their top-four defenceman in Tyler Myers. TSN Senior Hockey Reporter Frank Seravalli reports the Canucks and Myers are closing on a five-year, $30 million deal.
Matt Duchene is expected to sign with the Nashville Predators on a seven-year deal in the area of $56 million - an $8 million cap hit.
Mats Zuccarello is expected to join the Minnesota Wild on a five-year deal in the area of $6 million per season.
The Edmonton Oilers had interest in winger Brett Connolly, but the former Washington Capital is instead expected to sign with the Florida Panthers on a four-year deal worth around $3.5 million per year.