:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64653189/1156513815.jpg.0.jpg)
Welcome to July 1st, the official start of NHL free agency. Today’s going to be a very happy Canada day for some players judging by the leaked contract terms yesterday. Former Sharks captain Joe Pavelski will be signing with the Dallas Stars for three years at an AAV of about $7 million, which is a lot of money for someone who is 34 years old. On the other hand, he had a 38 goal season last year, so he’s still dangerous, especially on a team with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin.
The Stars are also rumored to be bringing Corey Perry into the fold, which is just delightful. Perhaps as a pre-emptive response to the rumors, the Chicago Blackhawks brought back Andrew Shaw as part of a salary dump for the Canadiens. The Hawks will be spending $3.9 million a year for three years. Dust off those old parade route maps.
Finally, the P.K. Subban trade to the Devils make perfect sense as the cap clearing move people expected that it was. The Predators traded away defense to make room for Matt Duchene’s new 7 year, $8 million a year contract.
That leaves the Avalanche, Jets, and Blues as teams that could be kicking tires starting today, but the Blues’ biggest pressing situation will be working towards retaining Pat Maroon, if they can. Which, according to Jeremy Rutherford, they very will may not.
Source: Local legend Pat Maroon unlikely to be back with Blues. #stlblues https://t.co/FOEtcWu3hl
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) July 1, 2019
Buckle up, everyone. The Blues may’ve just won the Stanley Cup, but time stops for no one.