CDCFL Insider

2021 CDCFL TRADE BAIT BOARD Zdeno Chara (STL - 2M, pending UFA) 99 pool points Jordan Martinook (STL - 3M, pending UFA) 70 pool points Joe Thornton (STL - 3M, pending UFA) 66 pool points Eric Staal (DAL - 5M, pending UFA) 67 pool points Mike Smith (SJS - 1.5M, pending UFA) 172 pool points Dougie Hamilton (OTT - 6.25M, 3 years) 232 pool points Jonas Brodin (ARI - 4.1M, pending UFA) 127 pool points Derek Forbort (STL - 3M, pending UFA) 90 pool points Evgeny Kuznetsov (DET - 6.2M, pending UFA) 123 pool points Jonathan Marchessault (DAL - 7.25M, 3 years) 174 pool points Kyle Palmieri (FLA - 6.25M, 5 years) 117 pool points Daniel Sprong (FLA - 2M, pending RFA) 59 pool points Dante Fabbro (COL - 1.75M, 2 years) 96 pool points Nick Bonino (PHI - 4.8M, pending UFA) 73 pool points Robin Lehner (ANA - 4.5M, pending UFA) 80 pool points Jacob Markstrom (NSH - 5.35M, 5 years) 152 pool points Curtis McElhinney (NJD - 2.3M, pending UFA) 35 pool points

A few things am I hearing on the eve of free agency beginning: There may be a few signings tomorrow, but it may likely be just the bigger names signing. This will allow the second tier of free agents to gain a bit more interest from teams that have missed out on their targets. The goalie market will likely need a few dominos to fall in order to get things moving. Sergei Bobrovsky is widely expected to be one of the first major goalies to sign and everyone else is expected to fall into line shortly after. This also affects the trade market for both Connor Hellebuyck and Antti Raanta. It is believed both goalies are being shopped by Tampa Bay and New Jersey respectively, however interested parties are waiting to see how free agency goes first. Looking at the defenseman market, Jake Muzzin and Shea Weber are all getting the most interest, as expected. Look for both to get some term on their next contracts, as well as some form of trade clause. I am hearing some offers on the table for each of these players may exceed 6 million per season, however money may not be everything for these guys.. Another defenceman, Kevin Shattenkirk is believed to have narrowed down his choices to two Eastern Conference teams. I am under the impression that both Erik Haula and Danton Heinen are receiving their fair share of interest. Both players are young, with Haula a 27 year old UFA and Heinen a product of the compliance buyout. I'm hearing both have solid offers from Eastern Conference teams that they are currently considering. Another couple younger free agent forwards to keep an eye on? Lawson Crouse and Miles Wood. Teams are always looking for younger powerforwards that have some offensive upside. On the RFA market, I've heard one Western Conference team has heavily considered offersheeting New York Rangers star defenceman Charlie McAvoy. I'm not sure if an official offer has been made, but it is something to keep an eye on here. Finally, some of the prospect free agents that have been receiving a ton of interest include Aidan McDonough, Mitchell Chaffee, and Tyce Thompson. I would expect all 3 of these players to sign before the weekend is over, and I believe all 3 are looking for the best combination of money and future playing time they can find.