The Hockey World Looks Toward NHL Free Agency
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This year’s NHL Free Agency gets closer to a date close to “normal.” The “Free Agent Frenzy” starts at Noon ET on Wednesday. Most big signings occur during the first day, maybe two days. After that, things calm down as the NHL heads into the wilderness.
Canadian teams have a keen interest, and each has a variety of needs that can help their squads during this time. Trades and signings are a part of the menu this week.
What this means for Canadian sports betting is that Calgary has one of the most sought-after free agents in Johnny Gaudreau. Will he test free agency, or will he stay in Calgary with the Flames? After players like Filip Forsberg and Kris Letang stayed put, what does that mean now?
Let's take a closer look at what happened with a bit of betting analysis mixed with common sense.
The Fallout From The No. 1 Pick
The first overall pick of the NHL Draft sent Ontario sports betting crazy after Juraj Slafkovsky went No. 1 to the Montreal Canadiens.
As some odds had bounced back to around three right before the draft, that pick returned some excellent value. In the end, Kent Hughes and company went for the winger who had played amongst men already.
It will be more intriguing to see what happens now that Shane Wright fell to fourth to the Seattle Kraken. New Jersey opted for Simon Nemec, and Arizona chose Logan Cooley at No. 3. Some contend the Devils could have traded down to fourth and still drafted Nemec. That possibility had some “legs” to it, but one will never honestly know.
There are many debates about whether Montreal needed that top center or a potential franchise scorer. No one knows what could happen next. However, Montreal set a course for itself.
Montreal kept things fascinating and experts on their toes. Now comes the hard part. Free agency looms, and then in a few months, the 2022-23 season.
Some Canadian Teams And Their ‘Needs’
During this free-agent frenzy, expect the unexpected. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent by NHL teams 24-48 hours after free agency begins. There are always the inevitable overpays and “head-scratchers” with a few deals that make actual sense.
Toronto’s only glaring need seems to be at goaltender. They want to go with Matt Murray while letting Jack Campbell walk in free agency. The Maple Leafs saw what worked for Colorado and are just taking random shots to see which goalies stick.
Edmonton needs a depth at goaltender. Some believe they have that already, but we shall see. The Oilers will also need a top-six winger with Kane's likely departure. A depth defenseman could not hurt either.
Winnipeg still has many questions. Who backs up Connor Hellebuyck? Will Paul Stastny return? That is just the tip of the iceberg. After that, Calgary has to focus on Johnny Gaudreau. If they lose him, what would be the ripple effects? Would they consider Kane?
Ottawa made its splash by trading for Alex DeBrincat. Whether that helps bring in a Claude Giroux is anyone’s guess. Finally, there is Vancouver. The Canucks signed Brock Boeser to a bridge deal, but what does that mean for players like J.T. Miller and even Bo Horvat. Yes, they are not free agents but will be next summer.
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