As the Stanley Cup Finals are going back to Edmonton for Game 6, the offseason is starting to ramp up, moves are starting to be made, and rumors are starting to swirl. I’ll break down all the major moves that occurred over the last 2 days.
Canucks extend Filip Hronek
The Canucks kicked all this off by extending defenseman Filip Hronek to an 8 year deal, carrying a $7.75 million AAV. This came as a surprise to many, as it was labeled almost immediately as an overpay by Vancouver. Hronek broke out since being acquired by Vancouver at the 2023 Trade Deadline, and has been playing alongside superstar Quinn Hughes since being acquired. The main criticism of this is because Hronek’s point production took a dip in the second half of this season, but overall I like this move for the Canucks.
New Jersey Finds its Goaltender
On Wednesday morning, the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils finally struck a deal for goaltender Jacob Markstrom. The teams almost had a deal to send Markstrom to the Devils ahead of the trade deadline, but it was nixed due to salary retention. They got it done though, A 2025 First Round pick, and D Kevin Bahl will go back to Calgary. A lower price than initially expected, but still a good haul for Calgary, and a solution in goal for the Devils.
San Jose Acquires Ty Dellandrea
Earlier in the day, the Sharks acquired Ty Dallandrea from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a 2025 4th Round Pick. The Sharks in addition to claiming Barclay Goodrow off waivers, are starting to fill out a roster that will be joined by Will Smith, and possibly the presumed #1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini. A low risk high reward move for San Jose, as Dellandrea could fill out a nice middle-six role with the team.
Kings and Caps with a Surprising Move
In arguably the most surprising move of the day, the Kings traded Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Washington Capitals in exchange for Darcy Kuemper. This is a swap of some bad contracts, as Dubois has 7 years left at $8.5 million. I actually like the fit with Washington quite well, I think he could fit with Ovechkin well. It also allows Washington to lower Ryan Strome into a 2nd line center role. As for the Kings, they acquired Goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who has 3 years left at $5.25 million left. Kuemper has been inconsistent over the last few years. But maybe the Kings could view Kuemper as a potential solution in net.
Hurricanes Receiving Offers for Necas
The Hurricanes reportedly are receiving offers on pending RFA Martin Necas. The Buffalo Sabres, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, and the Utah Hockey Club have all reportedly submitted offers for the Czech forward. Teams like the Canadiens, Red Wings, and Bruins also have reported interest, though it is unclear if they have gotten to the level of negotiations as the above teams. Necas is one of the bigger pieces that could be on the move this summer, and it is expected that Carolina will take it up to the draft next week in Las Vegas.
Senators and Flyers reportedly trying to make a deal
The Flyers and Senators are reportedly discussing a deal that could send Jakub Chychrun to Philadelphia in exchange for a package surrounding the 12th overall pick, giving Ottawa two selections in the lottery, already having the 7th overall pick. The Flyers may be looking to bolster their blue line if they already feel comfortable with their forward group that will improve if, and that’s a big if, 2023 7th overall pick Matvei Michkov comes to North America this summer.
BS Reports 
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