NHL Rumors: Deadline to opt-out of season today, Blackhawks sign Carl Soderberg, and more
Anthony Scultore
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The NHL and NHLPA agreed to 12/27 as the deadline date to opt-out of the 2020-21 season. This past summer, a handful of players and an assistant coach opted out with the most prominent name being Travis Hamonic. Tuukka Rask left the Bruins soon after the games began.
RTP Opt-Out list
The first player that opted out of returning to play was Travis Hamonic of the Calgary Flames. he was joined by five other players including Edmonton Oilers trade deadline acquisition, Mike Green who subsequently retired this summer.
- Travis Hamonic, CGY
- Mike Green, EDM
- Steven Kampfer, BOS
- Karl Alzner, MTL
- Sven Baertschi, VAN
- Roman Polak, DAL
Initially it was believed that Zach Trotman opted out, but he was left off for medical reasons because his wife is having a baby. Florida Panthers assistant Mike Kitchen was the only coach in the NHL to decide not to return.
NHL Rumors: Blackhawks sign Carl Soderberg
The Blackhawks have added veteran center Carl Soderberg for one year with an AAV of $1 million. He scored 17 goals and 35 points in 70 games last season for the Arizona Coyotes. The 35 year-old pivot was rumored to be looking at a return to Europe but has opted to play another season in the NHL.
“Carl is an experienced center who plays a strong two-way game and adds an element of size to our group of centermen,” President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Stan Bowan said. “He has shown the ability to score and match up, which is critical in today’s game, and he also brings consistency and versatility to the team, evidenced by his usage on both special teams as well as even-strength play.”
Ilya Kovalchuk sign in the KHL
Ilya Kovalchuk will likely conclude his playing career in the KHL. The 37 year-old winger has signed a two-year deal with Avangard Omsk.