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By the time you read this, the news of Artemi Panarin’s decision may already be out.
If you were following Twitter updates last night — or delving into our “Islanders the favorite” or Free Agency Tracker posts — then you know signs pointed south, north, and even with a brief desperate deviation to the Midwest on what the highly sought Russian winger was considering.
But as things closed on Sunday night’s Free Agency Eve, here’s how it looked:
As of now, sounds like Panarin situation won't be resolved tonight. Tough to call, but barring a last-min audible I believe Islanders & Panthers (and possibly the Rangers) are the finalists. If it's NYI, I suspect 7yr, AAV north of $12M. If it's FLA, 7yr, around $10M-$11M AAV.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 1, 2019
12 hours until free agency and Panarin declined to sign with CBJ. If he chooses the #Isles, it's expected to be a 7-year deal worth $12-12.5 million per. We'll see what the morning brings. Also expect that Anders Lee and Robin Lehner will be moving on.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) July 1, 2019
UPDATE: And Monday morning...
Getting the sense this morning it's down to the Islanders vs. Rangers for Panarin at this point, barring a new last minute pitch from Panthers.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 1, 2019
If it happens, it’s gonna cost the Islanders. But on the bright side they will not have Sergei Bobrovsky for seven years at around $10 million, which was the reported deal he’s going to get from the Panthers. Way too long and way too much for my liking with a goalie who will be 31 to start that deal.
Anyway, Anders Lee and Robin Lehner were expected elsewhere {sad emojis}, while Valtteri Filppula was reportedly connected to the Oilers under his old Wings boss Ken Holland. Sounds like Captain Lee is about to get PAID:
Hearing UFA F Anders Lee could top $9 million AAV when he signs today. Do not expect the #CBJ to part of the bidding at that level.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) July 1, 2019
You can follow along through the NHL’s official outlet. NHL Network (U.S.) will air five live hours of NHL Free Agency coverage today, including a simulcast of Sportsnet’s Hockey Central Signing Season at 11 a.m. ET followed by NHL Tonight: Free Agency at 12:30 p.m. ET.
Islanders Reading
- For much of the day, it seemed either the Panthers or Islanders were in the lead for Panarin, with the Islanders potentially adding the lure of compatriot Semyon Varlamov too. [LHH]
- Lots in this Elliotte Friedman update, mostly wondering what the Canadiens have planned (7x$8M for Anders Lee?!), but also pouring water on the Blue Jackets’ last-ditch offer for Panarin and saying the Isles were expected to land Panarin and Varlamov. [Sportsnet]
Free Agency Tracker
- Most of the key news is in this collection of the other names that moved fairly conclusively but not officially last night. Pavelski, Zuccarello, Bobrovsky and many more apparently decided. [LHH]
- On that note, Dale Tallon tells his team’s official site the Panthers expect a “real positive” day. That means Bobrovsky...but also maybe only Brett Connolly up front. [Panthers]
- Florida wanted to be rid of James Reimer by trade...so they were able to ship him to Carolina for Scott Darling, whom they bought out. [Canes Country]
- The Canadiens are expected to be aggressive (offer sheet an RFA too?) in part because their two key players are older and ready to win now. [Athletic]
- Leaving on a high note: Game 7 OT hero Pat Maroon probably won’t be back with his hometown Blues. [Athletic]
- More unpacking of the Penguins’ divorce with Phil Kessel, who was used for the Cup rings and then told to scram. [Athletic]
Now What?
That’s about it to start the morning off. Consider this your running free agency thread until we get to put some meat on the burner.