We’re closing in on the start of free agency and that means plenty of NHL rumours. We’ve gotten past the NHL Draft, but the real fun is only beginning. Free agency begins in earnest on Saturday, but some deals may be agreed to tonight. The buzz is only going to get louder as we draw closer to the start of the big day. Today’s NHL rumours focus on the Dallas Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Dallas Stars
Rumour: The Athletic’s Saad Yousuf said the Stars are trying to clear out salary cap space. This likely means are buyout of defenceman Ryan Suter.
If you need to jog your memory on how this fits into Stars’ salary cap picture, here ya go and add in $2.25 million to the payroll and subtract a forward spot needed
~$79.75 million occupied. 3 forwards spots left to fill with the remaining ~$3 millionhttps://t.co/xAhYSw59bc
— Saad Yousuf (@SaadYousuf126) June 27, 2023
Analysis: Stars general manager Jim Nill is trying to create some room to maximize their cap space. Dallas already signed Evgenii Dadonov, but would like to make a run at keeping Max Domi. Suter has experience getting bought out, as his massive deal with the Minnesota Wild was bought out a couple of summers ago. Buying out the veteran blueliner will save the Stars cap space this summer and next followed by a cap hold for the following two summers.
However, time is ticking on a buyout for Suter and Nill has to make a move by 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Dallas could also deal Collin Miller, Jani Hakanpaa and Radek Faksa among others to make some room. A Suter buyout would leave some dead money, but the salary cap may go up next summer and that would absorb some of the blow.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Rumour: The Athletic’s Rob Rossi said it’s more than likely that goalie Tristan Jarry will explore free agency on July 1.
What’s next for Kyle Dubas and Penguins?
Updates on Hanifin, Jarry and Guentzel in this story from Nashville for @TheAthletic https://t.co/ADjyUaxna4
— Rob Rossi (@Real_RobRossi) June 30, 2023
Analysis: It seems that Jarry may not be the goalie in the Steel City for that much longer. The 28-year-old netminder would likely go to the top of the board of available free agent goalies if he does go that route. Jarry may get more money elsewhere than he would if he stayed with the Penguins.
President of Hockey Operations and interim general manager Kyle Dubas said that they haven’t decided on the future of Jarry. However, it seems the Surrey, British Columbia native is moving on from the club. Casey DeSmith will be the only goalie left on the roster if Jarry departs. However, Dubas will try to fill that void with someone. Sidney Crosby and the crew still have a little time left on their Stanley Cup window, but need a goalie in order to give themselves a chance.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
