NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, Stars, Sens, Canucks, More

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there are last-minute reports of players making agreements with teams prior to the opening of free agency. These reports include signing for teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, and more.

Free Agent Signings Before the Bell

Even though teams aren’t supposed to be talking money and term during the interview period, everyone knows they do. And, because of this, insiders like Frank Seravalli, Bob McKenzie, Elliotte Friedman, John Shannon, Andy Strickland and others can report, with near certainty, who is going where.

Here are the names we’ve heard so far:

Artemi Panarin to the Islanders

The Columbus Blue Jackets apparently made a late-night, last-ditch effort to convince Artemi Panarin to stay in Columbus, offering 8 years and $12.5 -$13 million per season at him. Everyone is waiting to see what he does but speculation is that he’ll go to the New York Islanders on a 7-year term.

John Shannon wrote, “The Blue Jackets are still trying to convince Artemi Panarin to return to Columbus. Still hoping there’s a chance. Looks like a 3 team race. CBJ. NYI. Florida.

There other reports that the New York Rangers believe they are still in the hunt but Colorado knows they are not. Adrian Dater reports the Colorado Avalanche had offered six years and $70 million for Panarin. He declined.

Sergei Bobrovsky to Florida

It appears Bobrovsky is headed to the Florida Panthers having agreed to a deal around the seven-year, $9.5 million per season mark.

The Panthers had Bobrovsky in their sights from the very beginning.

Corey Perry and Joe Pavelski to Dallas

It appears as though the Dallas Stars have picked up a couple of veterans in Corey Perry and Joe Pavelski.

Perry had as many as 10 teams inquire about him and four teams push really hard for his services. But, he’s going to sign a one-year deal worth $1.5 million plus have the options for another $1.5-$2 million in bonuses with Dallas.

Terms of Pavelski’s deal weren’t disclosed but it should be a longer-term deal, possibly in the three-year range.

Other names on the list include Mike Smith to Edmonton, Cam Talbot to Calgary, Matt Duchene to Nashville, Patrick Marleau to San Jose and more.