A crazy week to start Free Agency

The first week of NHL free agency has lived up to all expectations. It has been crazy and has seen players like Patrick Marleau shift from the San Jose Sharks to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Another major transaction was that the Dallas Stars were able to sign Radulov away from the Montreal Canadiens and it is likely that he will play on the Stars top line.

Another of the big signings was that the New York Rangers were able to sign slick puck moving defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk to a 4 year contact that will pay a little over 6 million dollars per year.

Draft Day morning

Wow, what a fantastic couple of days that we have had in the hockey world and it seems like the best may still be ready to come. The selections by the Golden Knights seemed to start a flurry of rumors and trades, so far the biggest such deal has been the Oilers sending Jordan Eberle to the New York Islanders for Ryan Strome. On paper this deal looks like the Islanders got the better of this trade, however, the Oilers look like they will be able to get a guy who will be able to put up some bigger numbers with the Oilers and they have also freed up a bunch of cap space to be able to make room on their team for Kris Russell. It is expected that Russell will sign a 4 year 16 million dollar deal later on today which is not too bad for a guy who is a quality defender.

Exciting games ahead around the NHL

Hockey fans are gearing up for yet another exciting Tuesday evening of NHL playoff hockey that will be played tonight. Ottawa is looking to build upon their two game series lead in an effort to take a choke hold on their series against the New York Rangers while in the other match up St. Louis is looking to even their series against the speedy Nashville Predators.

Some Headlines from the NHL as the 2017 Playoffs Continue

The National Hockey League is in the middle of their postseason, and it’s been a really fun postseason thus far. Let’s take a look at some of the best headlines in the National Hockey League:

Road Teams win in the West

The second round of the National Hockey League playoffs got going, and the road teams were successful in Game 1. The Nashville Predators held a 3-1 lead, only to see St. Louis storm back to tie the game. The Predators scored a late game and won Game 1 on the road. Then, later, the Edmonton Oilers did the same thing. The Oilers led 3-1, gave up two quick goals and saw the game tied. Edmonton scored the final two goals to win on the road in Anaheim. It was the first postseason loss for the Ducks.

2017 NHL Trade Rumor Pittsburgh Penguins Playoff Picks

With five days left in the NHL Regular Season, many people are already turning their attention to the opening round of the Playoffs which start early next week. The Pittsburgh Penguins will be back to try to defend their title from last year’s playoffs, as other teams like the Canadians and Senators seem poised to make a run of their own at the crown.

Only three playoff spots currently remain unsettled, and all of them being from the Eastern Conference. The other 13 spots have been clinched with 5 days to go still in the rest of the season.

Michael Del Zotto likely to be moved today

Between injuries and turnover-related benchings, defenseman Michael Del Zotto has had a disappointing third season with the Flyers.

 But the 26-year-old Del Zotto – an eight-year veteran who knows his name has been mentioned in trade talks as the 3 p.m. Wednesday deadline approaches – says the adversity will make him stronger.

The Ontario native, an unrestricted free agent July 1, hopes to re-sign with the Flyers and mentor the young defensemen who are expected to be with the team next season.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/415037314.html

Flyers looking to be sellers today

Hextall said over the weekend in Pittsburgh, he would be inclined to sell. Tuesday’s 4-0 massacre of Colorado has to be taken with a large dose of reality (see story). The Avs are the worst team in the league.

Florida and Washington will offer considerably more of a challenge this week.

“We haven’t gotten results,” Hextall said last Friday. “We need to get results. It’s not about moral victories or playing good against Washington. That’s fine and dandy but not good enough. We have to win games.”

http://www.csnphilly.com/philadelphia-flyers/nothing-yet-michal-neuvirth-plenty-can-happen-flyers-trade-deadline-day

Kings trying to move Gaborik

Islanders would deal Halak for the right price

Lightning not done dealing

Lots of trade talk in Detroit

Lots of interest in Hansen

Rangers could look at Vrbata or Sharp

If the price tag is reasonable to rent, say, Dallas’ Patrick Sharp or Arizona’s Radim Vrbata, the Blueshirts could then shift Michael Grabner to the fourth line with Oscar Lindberg (presuming he wouldn’t be part of the return package) and Jesper Fast.

http://nypost.com/2017/02/27/if-only-vigneault-checked-if-rangers-already-have-piece-they-need/