What's it going to be, John Tavares? Will the Senators finally trade Erik Karlsson? Can anyone beat the Golden Knights' bone-headed contract for Ryan Reaves?
These are just a few of the burning questions on every hockey fan's mind as he 2018 NHL free agency period begins Sunday, July 1, at noon ET, which promises a healthy dose of rumors, trades and extravagant signings that usually accompany the first day of the new league year.
Sporting News is live blogging all the chaos from the NHL's free agent frenzy, with commentary on the latest signings, rumors and trades that go down throughout the day.
2018 UFA RANKINGS: Forwards | Defensemen | Goalies
NHL free agency 2018: Latest news, rumors
1:06 p.m. — John Tavares goes home to Maple Leafs
In a bombshell decision that broke up the monotony of an otherwise nondescript 2018 NHL free agency class, Tavares Watch ended shortly after 1 p.m. ET Sunday when the Toronto native announced he signed a seven-year contract with the Maple Leafs, calling it his "childhood dream." The deal is worth $77 million ($11 million AAV).
Tavares informed the Islanders he would sign elsewhere Sunday morning. He was also considering offers from five other teams, including the Sharks, who reportedly sought to make Tavares the highest-paid player in the NHL. He turned it down to take a "calculated leap of faith" in pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
— John Tavares (@91Tavares) July 1, 2018
— John Tavares (@91Tavares) July 1, 2018
I’m thrilled to be starting a new chapter of my career and life in Toronto with the @MapleLeafs. I feel very fortunate to come join a team with a great young core and play where I grew up learning and loving the game. I can’t wait to get started!
— John Tavares (@91Tavares) July 1, 2018
Not everyday you can live a childhood dream pic.twitter.com/YUTKdfMALl
— John Tavares (@91Tavares) July 1, 2018
12:31 p.m. — Michael Grabner picks Coyotes
Michael Grabner, fresh off a third consecutive 27-goal season, was one of the better wingers available in this year's thin class, and it's the Coyotes who came out on top for his services. The 30-year-old has inked a three-year deal in Arizona worth $10.05 million. He even got to break his own news.
three years, $3.35 M aav, Mr. Grabner joins the Coyotes https://t.co/P1UedmC9oG
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2018
12:07 p.m. — Lightning, Ryan McDonagh ink big extension
While the Lightning await John Tavares' decision, they locked up one of their biggest 2019 unrestricted free agents in defenseman Ryan McDonagh with a seven-year contract worth $47.25 million. McDonagh, acquired from the Rangers in a trade deadline blockbuster, will be 30 when the deal kicks in for the 2019-20 season. It also includes a full no-trade clause.
Ryan McDonagh year by year breakdown: $8.4 M, $5.46 M, $8.4 M, $5.46 M, $8.4 M, $6.93 M, $4.2 M. All salary, no signing bonuses
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2018
MAC’S BACK!
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) July 1, 2018
We have signed Ryan McDonagh to a seven-year contract extension worth $6.75 million (AAV) per season. The extension will commence with the 2019-20 season.
📝: https://t.co/2xT3xYpq6b pic.twitter.com/TMYwgVEALh
Noon ET — Blackhawks find way to get older with Chris Kunitz, 39, and Cam Ward, 34
OFFICIAL: Forward Chris Kunitz and goaltender Cam Ward have signed 1-year contracts and defenseman Brandon Manning has inked a 2-year deal with the #Blackhawks.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 1, 2018
Welcome to Chicago! pic.twitter.com/K0y1kuAL1z
Avalanche add Matt Calvert, too
Team: Colorado Avalanche
Term: Three years, $8.4 million
Reported by: Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet
COL was also believed to be getting Matt Calvert, for around 3x2.8
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2018
Ian Cole benefits from thin blue line in free agency
Team: Colorado Avalanche
Term: Three years, $12.75 million
Reported by: Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet
DAL to sign Blake Comeau
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2018
Tyler Bozak fills Paul Stastny void in St. Louis
Team: St. Louis Blues
Term: Three years, $15 million
Reported by: Chris Johnston, Sportsnet
Tyler Bozak gets a three-year deal from St. Louis with a $5M AAV.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2018
Antoine Roussel gets paid by Canucks
Team: Vancouver Canucks
Terms: Four years, $12.8 million
Reported by: Rick Dhaliwal, Sportsnet
Roussel in Vancouver will be 4 years and 3.2 million per season. Roussel was the 1st player the #Canucks agreed with, was high in their list.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) July 1, 2018
Mike Green re-signs with Red Wings
Team: Detroit Red Wings
Terms: Two years, $10.75 million
UPDATE: The Detroit #RedWings signed defenseman Mike Green to a two-year contract extension. pic.twitter.com/b40jSqP6mm
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) July 1, 2018
Paul Stastny leaves Jets for Vegas
Team: Vegas Golden Knights
Terms: Three years
Working on the aav for Paul Statsny in Vegas, but I believe he’s agreed to a 3 year term.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2018
Winnipeg learned late last night Statsny was likely headed in a different direction. Jets went beyond their cap comfort trying to keep him. https://t.co/p6kGuF1QhA
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2018
Bruins find a backup goalie in Jaroslav Halak
Team: Boston Bruins
Terms: TBA
Reported by: Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet
Jaroslav Halak two years to BOS
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2018
Erik Karlsson trade talks pick up on July 1
Team: Ottawa Senators
Reported by: Bob McKenzie, TSN
Action picking up on Erik Karlsson trade talks in OTT. Some with teams prepared to take Bobby Ryan but some with teams not taking Ryan.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 1, 2018
Penguins reach deal with Jack Johnson
Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Terms: Five years, $16.25M
Reported by: Aaron Portzline, The Athletic
Jack Johnson on his way to Pittsburgh this morning. The deal that has been widely reported — 5 years, $16.25M — will be signed and sealed soon. #CBJ
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) July 1, 2018
Carter Hutton to sign with Sabres
Team: Buffalo Sabres
Terms: Three years, $8.25 million
Reported by: Andy Strickland, 590 The Fan
Carter Hutton 3 year deal to come in at $2.75 AAV with #Sabres. Left more money the table elsewhere
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) July 1, 2018
David Perron latest to sign with former team
Team: St. Louis Blues
Terms: Four years, $16 million
Reported by: Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet
David Perron 4x4 in STL
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2018
Thomas Vanek is king of the one-year deal
Team: Detroit Red Wings
Terms: One year, $3 million
Reported by: Craig Custance, The Athletic
Sounds like Red Wings and Vanek got a deal done. One year, $3 million.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) July 1, 2018
Tomas Plekanec, Canadiens agree to reunion
Team: Montreal Canadiens
Terms: TBA
Reported by: Pierre LeBrun, The Athletic
As we speculated for a while now, the Canadiens will announce the return of Tomas Plekanec today once the market opens. One-year deal. He had some serious interest from Chicago, I believe, but returns to the Habs
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2018
James van Riemsdyk headed back to Philly
Team: Philadelphia Flyers
Terms: Five years, $35 million
Reported by: John Buccigross, ESPN
Source tells me James van Riemsdyk will sign a 5 year deal with @NHLFlyers. 7 million dollar cap number pic.twitter.com/evwaBEbm9o
— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) July 1, 2018
All indications are that James van Riemsdyk is going back to the Philadelphia #Flyers on a deal to be announced Sunday. #TSN
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2018
All quiet on Karlsson, O'Reilly trade fronts ... for now
Ryan O'Reilly stayed put through midnight ET which means the Sabres are on the hook for his $7.5 M bonus. Doesn't mean he still can't be traded but the Sabres, I think, told teams throughout that the price goes up now after the July 1 bonus is paid...
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2018
Fluid situation but appears likely scenario for Erik Karlsson is....
— Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyNHL) June 29, 2018
1) Gets traded to Vegas with Bobby Ryan sooner rather than later...
2) Senators look to free agency to fill open D spot as opposed to what would come back from Vegas.
Ryan Reaves is getting how much?!
Team: Vegas Golden Knights
Terms: Two years, $5.55 million
Reported by: Darren Dreger, TSN
Ryan Reaves is staying in Vegas. After discussions with multiple teams, including extensive talks with Calgary, he’s agreed to a 2 yr deal.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 30, 2018
New Flames coach Bill Peters lures old 'Cane
Team: Calgary Flames
Terms: Three years, $9.375 million
Reported by: Frank Seravalli, TSN
Expect centre Derek Ryan to sign a three-year deal with the #Flames on Sunday. He left money on the table to reunite with Bill Peters after 20 #NHL teams expressed interest.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2018
