Evan Sporer @ev_sporer Updated at 8:39 a.m. ET Updated at 8:39 a.m. ET Watch NHLNHL with fuboTV There are generally two days reserved on the NHL's calendar that forecast a busier-than-normal news cycle and storms with combustible elements ripe to send media folks into a frenzy. The first comes on trade deadline day, which usually falls in late February or early March. The second comes July 1, the first day free agents can begin signing with new teams. Those two stamps on the timeline call for cleared calendars, charged cell phones and the general expectation of being busy. There's a mental and physical preparation that comes with it, but also just the ability to brace oneself for a flurry of news. But toward the end of June 2016, something unexpected happened on multiple layers. On June 29, nestled between when the NHL Draft ended (June 25) and the start of free agency, time didn't stop for … [Read more...] about ‘Did this actually happen?’: Behind the scenes of June 29, 2016 — the craziest media day in NHL history
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No Carlson, no problem: Top free-agent NHL defensemen
With John Tavares rumors clogging up the NHL newsfeeds, it can be hard to look back and realize that there are still other free agents on the table, namely, some Grade-A defensemen. John Carlson was the most talked-about defenseman coming into NHL free agency during the offseason and it’s not surprising why. He’s a weapon put to good use against the Capitals and if he wasn’t going to get a life-changing offer from them (was there any doubt to begin with?) he would have had his choice of teams. It’s a position that a lot of defensemen wish to be in at this moment, but few are. That being said, teams are overlooking how valuable a franchise defenseman could be right now. Many are focused on stacking their forwards, while they should be looking for the next John Carlson. Here are three guys that could potentially pay off in an NHL offseason defensive trade. 1. Ian Cole Ian Cole is an interesting bird. He had a really fair season with the Columbus Blue Jackets … [Read more...] about No Carlson, no problem: Top free-agent NHL defensemen
Rick Nash unsure about NHL return next season
When the free agent market opens on Sunday, Rick Nash will be sitting on the sidelines as he ponders his future. The 34-year-old Nash, who will be an unrestricted free agent July 1, hasn’t decided if he wants to continue his playing career, per several reports. His agent, Joe Resnick, told TSN’s Darren Dreger on Thursday that he won’t be accepting offers until Nash makes up his mind. He was already drawing interest from several teams. Nash, who was traded to the Bruins in February after spending his NHL career with the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers, has scored 437 goals and recorded 805 points in 1,060 career games. He has also suffered several concussions, including one at the end of the 2017-18 regular season. The concussion issue is something that’s reportedly playing a factor in his decision whether to pursue another contract. Last week, Nash told Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman, “weighing all options of where I want to pick up the … [Read more...] about Rick Nash unsure about NHL return next season
NHL free agency 2018: Agent says Rick Nash undecided on future, to sit out July 1 frenzy
Jim Cerny @JimCerny Updated at 1:11 p.m. ET Updated at 1:11 p.m. ET Watch NHLNHL with fuboTV Despite receiving strong interest from multiple teams, Rick Nash plans to sit out the start of NHL free agency on July 1 as he ponders whether or not continue his career. The 34-year-old Nash suffered a concussion after being traded by the Rangers to the Bruins late last season, and had multiple concussions in his career. At the team's break up day after being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Lightning, Nash spoke about the possibility of retiring. On Thursday, Nash's agent, Joe Resnick, told both TSN and Sportsnet that Nash will evaluate his future and not solicit offers from teams when the signing period begins on Sunday. "He’s not ready to make a decision and teams need answers for personnel decisions,” Resnick told Chris Johnston. “He wants to be fair to the … [Read more...] about NHL free agency 2018: Agent says Rick Nash undecided on future, to sit out July 1 frenzy
Canes’ Necas more polished and confident, ready to be in NHL this season
News Sports Arts/Culture Real Estate 81° Full Menu 81° eEdition Customer Service Newsletters News News Local Crime Databases Education Election Politics Nation/World Special Reports Carolina College Bound Corrections Columnists Retro Charlotte Your Schools All Blogs & Columns Sports Sports Carolina Panthers Charlotte Hornets That's Racin' High Schools College Sports Charlotte Knights/MLB Other Sports Blogs & Columnists Inside the Panthers Inside the NBA Prep Insiders Scott Fowler Tom Sorensen All Blogs & Columns Politics Politics Elections The North Carolina Influencer Series Business Business Banking Stocks Center Top Workplaces National Business What's in Store Development All Blogs & Columns Living Living Religion Food & Drink Health & Family Home & Garden CLT Style Travel Living Here Guide Blogs & Columnists I'll Bite Kathleen Purvis All Blogs … [Read more...] about Canes’ Necas more polished and confident, ready to be in NHL this season