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.
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.
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.
Noon ET — Blackhawks find way to get older with Chris Kunitz, 39, and Cam Ward, 34
Avalanche add Matt Calvert, too
Team: Colorado Avalanche
Term: Three years, $8.4 million
Reported by: Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet
Ian Cole benefits from thin blue line in free agency
Team: Colorado Avalanche
Term: Three years, $12.75 million
Reported by: Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet
Tyler Bozak fills Paul Stastny void in St. Louis
Team: St. Louis Blues
Term: Three years, $15 million
Reported by: Chris Johnston, Sportsnet
Antoine Roussel gets paid by Canucks
Team: Vancouver Canucks
Terms: Four years, $12.8 million
Reported by: Rick Dhaliwal, Sportsnet
Mike Green re-signs with Red Wings
Team: Detroit Red Wings
Terms: Two years, $10.75 million
Paul Stastny leaves Jets for Vegas
Team: Vegas Golden Knights
Terms: Three years
Bruins find a backup goalie in Jaroslav Halak
Team: Boston Bruins
Terms: TBA
Reported by: Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet
Erik Karlsson trade talks pick up on July 1
Team: Ottawa Senators
Reported by: Bob McKenzie, TSN
Penguins reach deal with Jack Johnson
Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Terms: Five years, $16.25M
Reported by: Aaron Portzline, The Athletic
Carter Hutton to sign with Sabres
Team: Buffalo Sabres
Terms: Three years, $8.25 million
Reported by: Andy Strickland, 590 The Fan
David Perron latest to sign with former team
Team: St. Louis Blues
Terms: Four years, $16 million
Reported by: Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet
Thomas Vanek is king of the one-year deal
Team: Detroit Red Wings
Terms: One year, $3 million
Reported by: Craig Custance, The Athletic
Tomas Plekanec, Canadiens agree to reunion
Team: Montreal Canadiens
Terms: TBA
Reported by: Pierre LeBrun, The Athletic
James van Riemsdyk headed back to Philly
Team: Philadelphia Flyers
Terms: Five years, $35 million
Reported by: John Buccigross, ESPN
All quiet on Karlsson, O’Reilly trade fronts … for now
Ryan Reaves is getting how much?!
Team: Vegas Golden Knights
Terms: Two years, $5.55 million
Reported by: Darren Dreger, TSN
New Flames coach Bill Peters lures old ‘Cane
Team: Calgary Flames
Terms: Three years, $9.375 million
Reported by: Frank Seravalli, TSN
