Currently we’re in the no headline mandate period for 30 of 32 NHL teams. Reasonably, the league wants the sole focus on the Stanley Cup finals. While the Florida Panthers carry a 2-0 series lead to Edmonton, league GMs are feverishly sketching out next season’s roster.
The market is very good for D, and the market is very good for the heavier depth forwards. Teams are starting to get a better idea of who’s on the market and who isn’t. –Elliotte Friedman on TSN’s Jeff Marek Show
One reason why the Golden Knights captured the 2023 Stanley Cup trophy was their strong veteran depth. Bruce Cassidy used a balance of heavy, fast, and skilled bodies in his bottom six and was rewarded throughout the playoffs. Unfortunately, other organizations took notice and desire championship winning utility players, which will make it difficult for the Golden Knights front office to keep some of their reliable depth players.
I heard those names. Dakota Joshua, William Carrier, Jordan Martinook. The market for those guys are going to be really good. I definitely think it’s picking up. –Friedman on TSN’s Jeff Marek Show
Painfully for VGK fans, another Original Misfit is without a contract for next season. Since year one, William Carrier has excited supporters with fine forechecking, thundering hits, and wraparound scoring chances. He’s added a level of trust on the bottom line, pushing the puck, sustaining offensive zone time, and getting off the ice. It’s not glamorous but Carrier has impeccably fit that role for the Golden Knights.
With the exception of this season, Carrier’s offensive numbers per game increased annually. In the Golden Knights championship season, #28 scored a career high 16 regular season goals and two in the postseason. Both came in the conference finals. When healthy, the 29-year-old is one of league’s leaders in hits and is a menace to play against.
They’re starting to get some idea of where some of these free agents are narrowing down to. Teams are really stating to make offers and find out. For the guys that are theirs, do they really have a chance of re-signing these players or are they moving on. –Friedman on TSN’s Jeff Marek Show
It’s likely that Carrier will be a casualty of the free agency frenzy. There’s no doubt the player and the fans would prefer an extension but better offers could come in. If the market really is hot for Carrier, Vegas may be forced to step aside. It’ll be sad seeing the fourth line fisherman sign with another franchise but the Golden Knights have cap limitations. And a Jonathan Marchessault dilemma.
