Anger, Alternate Plans Bubbling with Unsigned RFAs, UFAs-to-be (PHN+)

The NHL member clubs find themselves in an unprecedented situation. Restricted free agency was to be a bargaining chip for the players with a safety net for teams. NHL teams can match offers to their RFA or receive compensation from the signing team. A win-or-win situation if a team was pressed against the salary cap or another team highly valued their young player. Never before have so many talented players of all positions remained unsigned this close to September, including the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson.

The National Hockey Now family including Colorado, Boston and our yet unannounced fourth outpost have been keeping close tabs the RFAs, UFAs, and players expecting new contracts this summer. We’ve been speaking with many of the involved parties, or more specifically, checking in to learn there are no updates.

Same old story, same old song and dance. But emotions are beginning to surface.