NHL: Dylan Strome a UFA, Avs’ Alexandar Georgiev signs, and Oilers qualify Jesse Puljujarvi
Anthony Scultore
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According to multiple reports, the Chicago Blackhawks will not extend a qualifying offer to RFA Dylan Strome making him a UFA.
Acquired from the Coyotes back in 2018, he had a promising first season in Chicago with 51 points in 58 games but his production slipped as he struggled to find consistent playing time.
Strome, 25, recorded 48 points in 69 games this past season with Chicago. For his career, he’s amassed 170 points in 273 games split with the Arizona Coyotes and Blackhawks.
There will undoubtedly be interest in his services once he hits the market. Strome is the latest talented young forward to leave Chicago. This continues a huge roster change that saw Brandon Hagel, Alex DeBrincat, and Kirby Dach all moved via trades.
Avalanche sign Alexandar Georgiev
The Colorado Avalanche wasted little time in assuring themselves the services of recently acquired restricted free agent goaltender Alexandar Georgiev for the foreseeable future, signing the former Ranger to a three-year deal Sunday with an AAV of $3.4 million.
The Avalanche obtained Georgiev from New York Thursday in exchange for third- and fifth-round picks in the 2022 NHL Draft and a third-round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft
“When he was a starter, he played really well, and he wanted a bigger opportunity, and he’s got that opportunity,” Avalanche executive vice president and general manager Joe Sakic said. “He was looking forward to the challenge. What I like about it, he played in a big market. He was in New York. He can deal with a lot of that stuff. We’re excited for him.”
Georgiev, 26, recorded a 2.92 goals-against average and a .898 save percentage in 33 games (28 starts) in 2021-22. He also had a 15-10-2 record with two shutouts.
Georgiev boasts a 58-48-11 record with eight shutouts, as well as a 2.94 GAA and a .908 save percentage in 129 career games. He was signed by the Rangers as an undrafted free agent in July of 2017.
On Sunday, Colorado also announced the signing of defenseman Jacob MacDonald through 2023-24.
The 29-year-old spent the past two seasons with the Avs after a debut season in 2018-19 with the Florida Panthers.
MacDonald saw his most NHL action in 2020-21, when he appeared in 33 games and totaled nine points (one goal, eight assists).
Oilers qualify Jesse Puljujarvi and three others
On Sunday, the Edmonton Oilers announced that they would be qualifying the following RFAs:
- Tyler Benson (F)
- Ryan McLeod (F)
- Jesse Puljujarvi (F)
- Kailer Yamamoto (F)
Puljujarvi, 24, scored 36 points in 65 games last season and is the subject of trade rumors.
The Edmonton Oilers would like to re-sign Evander Kane and need to make cap space. The retirement of Duncan Keith and trade of Zack Kassian will help but they also need to sign a goalie. Puljujarvi could also be a trade piece to land a goaltender.
-Field Level Media contributed to this article