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Several important NHL dates take place later this month and the first is triggered by the end of the Stanley Cup final, starting with the opening of the first buyout window 24 hours (or so) after the Cup is awarded.
So when the Canadiens avoided a sweep on Monday...we were forced to wait a little longer to push our roster-gazing into full gear. But the key days are coming, soon enough. Pre-expansion draft waivers, requesting players with no-move clauses to waive them, and more are right around the corner:
With the calendar flipping over to July we are now only a couple of weeks away from kicking off what will surely be a busy off-season.
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) July 1, 2021
Here's a look at some of the important dates to remember in July.https://t.co/nXfmDT1fO4 pic.twitter.com/rqRdU6A0YI
For the Islanders, the reality of their cap situation and free agents means changes are coming, it’s just a matter of what’s possible for Lou Lamoriello, and which choices he’ll make.
Islanders News
Arthur Staple outlines three roster scenarios for the Islanders. They’re similar to what’s been talked about for a while around here — although I can’t say “trade Jordan Eberle and Anthony Beauvillier for Vladimir Tarasenko and Vince Dunn” was ever in my toolbox. [Athletic]
Of course everything turns on how, if (and at what number) the Islanders can retain their free agents. [Newsday]
All of those “if Casey Cizikas doesn’t re-sign” scenarios bring up a tough question: How do you replace him? [Empire Sports]
Top 2021 draft prospects were asked about players they try to emulate, and you can guess who top international prospect William Eklund chose by how he described him: “He’s amazing to watch. I try to look at how he uses his edges in the corners and how fast he turns and gets out with his speed; how good he is at finding his teammates too.” [NHL]
Happy birth(yester)day, Anders The First:
On this date in 1952, Anders Kallur was born in Ludvika, Sweden, part of the #Isles dynasty and first NHL team to win a Cup with Europeans on their roster
— Jen (@NHLhistorygirl) July 6, 2021
Mathew Barzal says thank you on Insta:
From Mathew Barzal - #isles pic.twitter.com/d8sS2YH8fB
— (@islandermania) July 6, 2021
Safe to say the surgery was on Pageau’s left hand...(or is that what he WANTS you to think):
Jean-Gabriel Pageau has a cast on his hand, according to an Instagram post. pic.twitter.com/QjFbLRRfpu
— David Lazar (@davidlazar100) July 6, 2021
Elsewhere
- The Lightning missed an opportunity in Game 4 but...come on, the chance to clinch at home in front of fans after winning in the empty bubble last year, that’s not too shabby. [NHL]
- The Canadiens know coming all the way back is an impossible task, but they’re “a bunch of crazy guys” so why not. [Sportsnet]
- Leboff advises that betting against Tampa in Game 5 is, well, it’s against the odds. [NHL]
- Game 5 is set to take place in Tampa as Hurricane Elsa barrels toward the west coast of Florida. [Sportsnet]
- Draft prospect Luke Hughes would sure enjoy joining his brother Jack in New Jersey. [NHL]
- The 911 calls — there were multiples as his situation quickly worsened — have been released in the tragic death via errant fireworks of Matiss Kivlenieks. [Sportsnet]
- The flat-cap limitations of the pandemic may make max eight-year deals back in style. But there are risks to balance, of course. [TSN]
- A bunch of possible destinations for Jack Eichel. [Sportsnet]
- Speaking of which, the Wild and Kirill Kaprizov are expected to talk contract, and one of the concerns may be upgrading at center. [NHL]
- Stephen Johns is on a cross-continental journey in the name of mental health. [ESPN]
- Will the Oilers trade for Duncan Keith? [Sportsnet]
- The Wild have re-signed Nick Bjugstad for the minimum. Man, I remember when he was expected to be a high-impact player. [TSN]