NHL Rumors: Predictions for Free Agent Frenzy and more

Anthony Scultore |

Oct 8, 2020

The opening bell for NHL Free Agency begins at 12:00 PM EST tomorrow. All I can tell you is to expect the unexpected. There could be a flurry of signings and then silence and then there could be utter chaos with trades to boot.

Seriously, no one knows what to expect. After the draft GM’s all said there were a lot of discussions but no moves were made. Those conversation could lead to some big trades tomorrow or just more of nothing.

NHL Rumors – Alex Pietrangelo

As of tonight, Alex Pietrangelo and the Blues are still talking. While there is mutual interest, he will hit the market and get a big offer the Golden Knights. Plus, I didn’t see the Blues clear enough cap space to make a deal.

Prediction: Pietrangelo signs with Vegas

Sounds like Alex Pietrangelo will indeed enter the Free Agent market and will take his time to evaluate his options before making his decision which includes St. Louis
— Carlo Colaiacovo (@CarloColaiacovo) October 8, 2020

NHL Rumors – Taylor Hall

Taylor Hall is hitting the market and the rumblings inside the rumor mill are the Nashville Predators want him bad. GM David Poile wants an elite winger to play with Matt Duchene and he’s going to get one tomorrow. Hey, they didn’t buyout two players for nothing.

Prediction: Halls signs with Nashville

NHL Rumors – Torey Krug

The Bruins are trying to keep Krug on their defense but he wants to hit the market. When all is said and done, I believe this Michigan native is going home. Steve Yzerman has plenty of cap space to make it happen.

Prediction: Krug signs with Red Wings

NHL Rumors – Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Arizona likely has an internal mandate to shed salary. Tomorrow the Vancouver Canucks will be the beneficiary of that mandate when they get Ekman-Larsson for a song. He has a no-move clause and is using it. Remember he didn’t ask to be traded.

Prediction: OEL traded to Vancouver

NHL Rumors – Patrik Laine

As of tonight, Darren Dreger is reporting that talks have cooled. That is likely because no one is going to pay a top center and a defenseman for him.

Prediction: Laine goes nowhere

Other signing predictions

Bobby Ryan signs with the Flyers

Henrik Lundqvist signs with the Capitals

Alex Wennberg signs with the Rangers

Kyle Turris signs with the Jets

Tyson Barrie signs with the Ducks

Braden Holtby signs with the Avalanche

Mikael Granlund signs with the Sharks

Tyler Toffoli signs with the Columbus

Jacob Markstrom re-signs with the Canucks

Mike Hoffman signs with the Devils