The first day of NHL Free Agency opens on July 1, with a long list of available unrestricted free agents, and some interesting restricted free agents to keep in mind.
That all officially begins at noon Eastern/9:00 a.m. PT and while you can follow along with our live blog for the latest news and analysis, be sure to also watch the day unfold on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
As the 2024 NHL Free Agency period approaches, hockey fans are eagerly awaiting updates on some of the biggest names in the league. Two players who are generating a lot of buzz are Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault.
Steven Stamkos, the captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2024. The 34-year-old center has been a key player for the Lightning for over a decade, helping lead the team to multiple Stanley Cup championships. Stamkos is known for his scoring ability and leadership on and off the ice, making him a highly sought-after player in free agency.
Rumors have been swirling about Stamkos potentially re-signing with the Lightning, as he has expressed his desire to stay with the team that he has called home for so long. However, there are also reports of other teams showing interest in signing the veteran center, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers. It will be interesting to see where Stamkos ultimately ends up and how much he commands in terms of salary.
Another player drawing attention in the 2024 free agency market is Jonathan Marchessault of the Vegas Golden Knights. The 33-year-old winger has been a consistent scorer for the Golden Knights since joining the team in 2017, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season. Marchessault is known for his speed and offensive prowess, making him a valuable asset for any team looking to add scoring depth.
There have been reports of contract negotiations between Marchessault and the Golden Knights, but nothing has been finalized as of yet. Other teams are said to be interested in signing the talented winger, including the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens. Marchessault’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure – he will be a hot commodity on the free agent market.
As the 2024 NHL Free Agency period unfolds, hockey fans will be keeping a close eye on updates regarding Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. These two players have proven themselves to be elite talents in the league, and their decisions on where to sign will have a significant impact on the landscape of the NHL. Stay tuned for more updates as free agency continues to heat up.