Things sure have gotten quiet after a busy opening to unrestricted free agency, haven't they? Many believe that signings are being held up by the active (or rather, inactive) trade market.
At the forefront are Chicago who continue to shop Patrick Sharp. Last I heard, the offers were nowhere near what the Blackhawks have asked for. Several teams have offered little more than a 2nd round pick.
Johnny Oduya is still hoping to re-sign with the Blackhawks, who suddenly have more cap space budgeted after trading winger Brandon Saad. The fact that Oduya continues to wait for a resolution is holding up the market on other free agent defensemen like Cody Franson and Christian Ehrhoff. We'll see if a Sharp trade or Oduya signing gets the market moving again.
QUICK HITS
It's believed the Minnesota Wild are trying to trade RFA D-man Jon Blum.
The Isles continue to shop winger Michael Grabner but there just isn't a huge market right now. Teams like his speed, not so much his $3 million salary. The Leafs kicked tires on this one so we'll see if that goes any further.
The Oilers are shopping/listening on goalie Ben Scrivens and defensemen Nikita Nikitin (buyout candidate) and Andrew Ference.
Reports surfaced again that Alex Radulov will return to the NHL a season from now. It's widely believed the Colorado Avalanche would have interest.
RUMOUR BOARD
Lots of tweaks to the rumour board today. I added Shattenkirk, although I'll remind everyone that it's a longshot he gets dealt.
Notes on a few guys ticked off the rumour board today: Goalie Anders Nilsson was traded by the Blackhawks to the Oilers yesterday. I first reported that Nilsson was going to be traded in late May.
Anders Nilsson (G) exploring NHL options; KHL deal ending. Was scouted by many #NHL teams at WCs. #Blackhawks own him but may trade him.
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) May 25, 2015
Center Shawn Matthias signed a one year with the Leafs. I first reported that the Leafs were in on Matthias on July 1st.
#Leafs have called on C Shawn Matthias
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 1, 2015
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