Christmas for NHL general managers has arrived.
Free agency begins Friday at noon ET, and we should see some huge contracts given out to players, many of whom probably will be overpaid.
This year is a bit different because the salary cap didn’t go up much from the 2015-16 campaign, leaving a lot of teams unable to sign the marquee players available. But that’s OK because Stanley Cup titles rarely are won on July 1.
Keep it right here all weekend for the latest rumors, completed deals and news surrounding NHL free agency.
Top 10 players available >>
3:48 p.m.: A low-risk, low-cost signing by the Detroit Red Wings.
Thomas Vanek's one-year deal with #redwings will pay him $2.6M.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2016
3:35 p.m.:Â The Leafs just got tougher, but less skilled.
3:17 p.m.: That would be a lot of money for Kris Russell.
2:35 p.m.: More updates.
2:27 p.m.: The Washington Capitals add bottom-six forward depth.
2:21 p.m.: Good value for a Hurricanes team on the rise.
2:07 p.m.: Welcome to the party, Rangers.
1:47 p.m.: A couple more deals trickling in.
1:36 p.m.: Some more center depth for Winnipeg.
1:35 p.m.: Great signing for Tampa Bay.
1:25 p.m.: Another goalie off the market.
1:20 p.m.: The Carolina Hurricanes add more forward depth.
1:15 p.m.: The re-tool continues in Edmonton.
12:56 p.m.: Interesting observation so far: none of the best UFA defensemen except Brian Campbell have signed.
12:51 p.m.: Where do you think David Backes will play in Boston?
12:45 p.m.: A lot of money has been spent so far.
12:42 p.m.: So, Minnesota has signed Eric Staal and Chris Stewart today.
12:37 p.m.: Jake Allen is the present and future of the St. Louis net.
12:35 p.m.: Calgary adds another goalie.
12:30 p.m.: More blue line depth for the Kings.
The Islanders also make a move.
12:25 p.m.: The deals keep coming in.
12:18 p.m.: A few more updates.
David Backes reportedly to Boston for $6 million per season for five years.
12:16 p.m.: Hold on a second.
12:15 p.m.: A home run deal for the Boston Bruins.
12:12 p.m.: A David Backes update.
12:11 p.m.: Frans Nielsen to the Detroit Red Wings on a five-year deal.
12:07 p.m.: More updates.
12:02 p.m.: And we’re off!
11:56 a.m.: Cam Fowler easily would be the best defenseman on the market if he was a free agent.
11:55 a.m.: Bookmark this tweet.
11:51 a.m.: A five-year deal suggests, at least to me, that James Reimer will be signing with a team for a No. 1 goalie position and not a backup role.
11:47 a.m.: General managers often overpay veteran leaders and Jason Chimera should be no exception.
11:40 a.m.: The Boston Bruins are a natural fit for David Backes, but he’ll probably have several suitors.
11:33 a.m.: A perfect match.
11:30 a.m.: An interesting update 30 minutes from free agency opening.
11:20 a.m.:Â A surprisingly smart move by Colorado.
11:03 a.m.: Some good updates here.
10:50 a.m.: A few more updates.
10:46 a.m.: Not too surprising.
10:44 a.m.: This is a steal for the Chicago Blackhawks.
10:42 a.m.: Eric Staal would be a nice fit in Minnesota.
10:32 a.m.: A reunion in St. Louis?
10:25 a.m.: The Russian winger played in the KHL last season.
10:15 a.m.: The Islanders might have their replacement for Kyle Okposo.
Montreal seems to be looking for more ways to downgrade its blue line after the horrible P.K. Subban trade.
10:10 a.m.: This certainly is interesting.
Also, the Canadiens are out on Milan Lucic.
10:05 a.m.: Sharks looking to make moves?
9:57 a.m.: Looks like a few teams missed out on Darren Helm.
9:50 a.m.: Detroit has plenty of salary cap space.
9:45 a.m.: Let’s feel bad for these 10 teams. Kris Russell is not a good defenseman.
9:20 a.m.: As I said earlier, Kyle Okposo is going to get PAID.
9:15 a.m.: The Oilers still are a team to watch.
8:52 a.m.: TSN’s Bob McKenzie in a radio interview doesn’t believe Montreal will land any of the top players.
8:49 a.m.: Kyle Okposo is a good bet to get more money than he probably deserves.
8:45 a.m.: Now-former Bruin Alex Khokhlachev.
8:33 a.m.: The Canadiens have enjoyed success with Dale Weise in the past, but there are better options out there.
8:15 a.m. ET: Let’s start the day with notable rumors and news from Thursday night.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
