The dust usually settles around this time in the NHL. But not this offseason.
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- The free agent frenzy might appear to have ground to a halt, but that doesn't actually represent what's going on behind the scenes. Plenty of balls are still in the air, and many top free agents continue to hold out for the big contracts they expected to receive on July 1st.
- Many key RFAs are continuing to hold out as well. Patrik Laine, Mitch Marner, Kyle Connor, Matthew Tkachuk are among the many names still looking for a deal - with their team or via offer sheet. The Sebastian Aho offer sheet - though made in vain - has heightened fears around the league that a second one could come from Montreal or elsewhere.
- Brayden Point and Kyle Connor have all been rumoured as potential targets of offer sheets. Mitch Marner is another one teams have contemplated, but seems less likely after the Leafs cap manoeuvring on July 1st.
- Many top UFAs, including Jake Gardiner, are believed to be waiting for teams to clear out cap space or have a clearer idea of where they stand with their RFAs. There has been speculation that once the Habs put their offer sheet debacle behind them, they could re-engage with Gardiner's camp. The Kings have been linked to Gardiner as well.
- On the trade front, it still seems likely that Wild forward Jason Zucker is traded. The Hurricanes, Flames, Ducks and Jets continue to be rumoured landing spots.
- Despite adding Erik Haula in a trade with the Golden Knights, the Hurricanes remain willing to move a key defenseman to improve their forward core. Brett Pesce and Justin Faulk remain the most likely candidates to move.
- Much more on this later, but the Taylor Hall sweepstakes are just getting started. Despite winning the lottery and adding PK Subban, recent rumbling suggest Hall is still more likely than not to hit free agency next summer. And the Devils are determined to trade him if they feel he will not sign an extension.