FTB: January 1 is a kind of free agent day

Thanks to Elliotte Friedman and 32 Thoughts for reminding me that January 1 is the first day that pending UFAs on one-year deals can sign an extension. He mentioned that he doesn't think anything is imminent with Tyler Bertuzzi. This makes sense because the Leafs need to sort out William Nylander first.

That said, here are the eligible Leafs:

Tyler Bertuzzi - $5,000,000
Max Domi - $ 3,000,000
William Lagesson - $775,000
Ilya Samsonov - $3,550,000
Martin Jones - $875,000
John Klingberg - $4,150,000

If the top name isn't imminent, the bottom name is never getting a contract in Toronto for any money. But what about Martin Jones?

You know what can waiver-proof a guy? Term. And beyond that consideration, he's done more than anyone had a right to expect. If he wants another year, why not do it now when it's most tactically useful.

William Lagesson could do with a reward for also rolling up and getting it done.

Of course there's a pair of other pending UFAs to consider:

Bobby McMann - $762,500
TJ Brodie - $5,000,000

Brodie seems totally necessary to the Leafs and McMann, frankly, should be just on the roster from now on. But again, Nylander has to come first.

The Leafs might decide to just go dark on contracts until the season is over. That's usually their way. But I can't help but think that gambling on Jones for another year is a low-risk roll of the dice.

WJC

Yesterday Canada beat Germany at the WJC in the last preliminary round game, one the meant nothing to Canada. Even a loss would have left them in second place. Germany and Norway finished last in each group and will play one game on January 4 to decide who is relegated.

All four quarterfinals are on Tuesday, January 2. Slovakia plays Finland at 6:00 am, Canada plays Czechia at 8:30 am, USA vs Latvia is at 11:00 am and Sweden vs Switzerland is the final game at 1:30 pm. All times Eastern.

The winners are reseeded for the semifinals on January 4.

PWHL

The first ever PWHL game is today! The preview will be out this morning, and the pregame show is at noon. Broadcasters will be listed in the preview for you, but it's free to watch via streaming in the entire world.

News

News Release: Steve Staios has been appointed #Sens General Manager and President of Hockey Operations; Dave Poulin joins the team as Senior Vice-President, Hockey Operations; Ryan Bowness has been appointed the team’s Associate General Manager: https://t.co/ewBbHUNTf3 pic.twitter.com/Xaksy0RnBO
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) December 31, 2023

If you were totally under a rock, the Leafs waived Ilya Samsonov yesterday, which means the waiver news and attendant Leafs press release will happen IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME. So they can just do their goalie stuff without me.

Oh, wait, yeah, there's some game outside today... hmmm. When is that on...

That article does not tell you when it's on! But it seems to be scheduled for 3 pm Eastern. Note, these games sometimes get delayed for weather or unexpected sun in the sky reasons.

This WHL trade is a great big deal, apparently, and I mention it only because this is Fraser Minten's team now. I leave it to others to understand why this Swedish player is a superstar.