FTB: Summer studies of NHL free agents

While the Toronto Maple Leafs have remained quiet as the summer rolls on, the last few NHL free agents continue to find sign new contracts, but there are still a few recognisable names out there. Zach Parise is still holding out to find a new place to play after the Wild bought out his crazy contract and sent him packing. I had a double take on his age at 37 years-old. I knew he had played a long time, but it was still jarring to see. Perhaps it’s the fact that I just turned 40 that’s catching me off guard. It’s rare now to see NHL players close to my own age, though the Leafs can fix that one by bringing back Joe Thornton at 42 so there’s still actually someone on the team that’s older than me.

Speaking of free agents with a Leafs connection, Alex Galchenyuk is also out there too. While it was anticipated that he would leave the Leafs after his successful rehabilitation season, he doesn’t appear to have found a landing spot. Perhaps he will circle back with the Leafs for another one year and budget-friendly deal to try and further prove himself.

Another unsigned player with a Leafs connection is Tyler Bozak, or should I say Stanley Cup Champion Tyler Bozak! Could he be the next Jason Spezza for the Leafs, teaching our wee little prospects how to be good professionals?

Perhaps not.

As we wait for the Maple Leafs to use up that last few million of salary cap space, I hope you enjoy your summer weekend. We will be back on Monday to kick-off the annual PPP Top 25 Under 25.

Other News

Vince Dunn and SEA settle at 2x$4M

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 6, 2021

So after signing Vince Dunn the Kraken have about exactly $10M in space left under the salary cap. I wonder who that $10M might be used on? In unrelated news, the Sabres impasse with Jack Eichel continues.

With COVID-19 cases on the rise, the NHL sent a memo to all clubs this week prohibiting all organized corporate, community and charitable interactions with fans (handshake lines, fist bumps, autograph sessions, speaking engagements, etc.)

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) August 6, 2021

Tyler Tumminia officially named NWHL Commissioner - The Ice Garden
After serving as the league’s interim commissioner for about nine months, Ty Tumminia is officially on board as the NWHL’s new, full-time commissioner.

It’s the Summer of Fitz for the Devils. Can this offseason turn the tide? - All About The Jersey
It’s been quite a summer for Tom Fitzgerald and the Devils as the GM has now put his own stamp firmly on the organization with a summer of eye-catching moves. The question now is: Can the Devils make real strides this season and erase the bad memories of the last splashy summer they had in 2019?

Jarmo’s plan for rebuilding the Blue Jackets - and likely his last chance to construct a contender - The Cannon
Jarmo has stripped it down to the studs to start a rebuild. He’ll get a chance to remake the roster, but this likely is his last chance to build a true Stanley Cup contender in Columbus.

Lawyer asks Center for SafeSport to investigate Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman - TSN
The U.S. Olympic Committee created the U.S. Center for SafeSport in 2012 and the centre became an independent organization in March 2017. Based in Denver with its own staff and a $10 million annual budget, the centre has exclusive jurisdiction in the U.S. to investigate and pass judgment on accusations of misconduct in Olympic and Paralympic sports.

Flocks of Canada geese plague New Zealand countryside - The Guardian
They are aggressive, territorial, noisy and excrete more than a kilogram of feces a day. Now huge flocks of Canada geese have made parts of rural New Zealand their home, bringing havoc in their wake.

Which ex-Leafs player from the 2013 team would you want to come back in their late 30’s for a final NHL season on a team-friendly contract?