2019 has been a very busy year throughout the hockey world. There have been several big trades and free agent signings (including a record-setting contract), plenty of changes behind the bench, and much more. Over the coming days, PHR will take a look back at the top stories from around the game on a month-by-month basis. Next up is the month of September which was extremely busy as training camps started to open across the league.
RFA Dam Breaks: Finally, we got a conclusion to the restricted free agent stand-offs all over the NHL. Players like Kyle Connor (seven years, $50MM), Patrik Laine (two years, $13.5MM), Brayden Point (three years, $20.25MM) Matthew Tkachuk (three years, $21MM), Brock Boeser (three years, $17.625MM), Travis Konecny (six years, $33MM), Charlie McAvoy (three years, $14.7MM), Mitch Marner (six years, $65.36MM), Mikko Rantanen (six years, $55.5MM), Ivan Provorov (six years, $40.5MM) and Zach Werenski (three years, $15MM) all inked lucrative deals to be ready in time for the start of the season.
Not Doing This Again: After the league watched teams be held hostage by their restricted free agents all summer, many decided to start locking up their young players early. Thomas Chabot (eight years, $64MM), Josh Morrissey (eight years, $50MM) and Clayton Keller (eight years, $57.2MM) all signed huge deals a full season away from restricted free agency, making them part of their respective organizations for the foreseeable future.
Byfuglien Suspended: While the Jets got their big free agents signed, one of their biggest players didn’t show up for camp. Dustin Byfuglien didn’t show up thanks to an injury and unmade mind, leading to a suspension from the team. The big defenseman still isn’t back with the team yet, but did file a grievance through the NHLPA for his lost salary.
Lockout Averted (for now): Speaking of the NHLPA, both the player’s union and the league decided against using their opt-out clauses for the current CBA, extending labor peace for at least a few more years. The two sides will have to come to an agreement again at some point down the road, but for now hockey fans can feel secure that there will be pucks dropped until 2022.
Kronwall Hangs Them Up: The Detroit Red Wings have seen their organization turn the page on the old and focus on the new the last several years, and with Niklas Kronwall announcing his retirement as a player, the last real vestige of the dominant playoff-streak team is gone. Kronwall didn’t go far however, joining Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings’ front office immediately.
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