Florida Panthers left wing Mike Hoffman controls the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during a game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on March 16, 2019.NHL free agency during the COVID-19 pandemic was always going to be different.
The salary cap staying at US$81.5 million, less money in the system because of a drastic drop in revenues, and the uncertainty surrounding the 2020-21 season – and beyond – has created unique set of circumstances. Stars like defenceman Alex Pietrangelo and winger Taylor Hall took a little longer than normal to be signed in unrestricted free agency. And while Pietrangelo got a long-term deal with the Vegas Golden Knights, Hall opted for a one-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres to see where things stand across the league once more of the dust settles.Other players, mostly in the NHL’s middle class, felt the squeeze and settled for less money or less term – or both.
Four weeks after the market opened Oct. 9, The Canadian Press takes a look at some of the UFA talent still looking for a home.The slick winger led the entire UFA class in goals scored in 2019-20 with the 29 he bagged for the Florida Panthers. Hoffman, who turns 31 this month, has registered at least 26 goals in five of his six full NHL campaigns.
This is how much that bad incremental collective overpay on the top 4 hurts. For really good team friendly deals there are upgrade defensemen available that the leafs need but cant afford. Bad cap mgmt by the leafs here. Real bad.