Breaking: Lightning closing in on deal to sign $8.3 million left winger in free agency

The 2024 draft is officially over!

Now, the league turns its attention to another high-profile event: the opening of the free agent market.

The rumour mill is more busy than ever.

Earlier in the day, Julien BriseBois made another huge agreement and a significant move. He dispatched Mikhail Sergachev and Tanner Jeannot elsewhere. These moves indicate one thing: the GM intended to free up funds under the pay cap.

After all, he has Steven Stamkos to sign, and a $3 million-per-year contract will not convince him to stay.

However, despite Stamkos’ increased wage deal, BriseBois has not made him a new offer. That’s likely because he’s saving the money for something else.

However, this afternoon, Elliotte Friedman linked Jake Guentzel’s name to the club. The tipster believes he will be the Lightning’s top target beginning Monday. According to various sources, the forward wants an eight-year contract (assuming he can sign it) at $8 million per year. Carolina is prepared to offer him such a contract, but the player and his agent are more eager to test the market. They have every right to do so.

In any event, Friedman, like Tanev, suggested the prospect of trading his rights before Monday.

Speaking of Tanev, the Leafs acquired the unrestricted free agent at the end of the draft. At least his rights have changed. The Leafs will be able to speak with him almost 42 hours before the other 30 teams.I believe the Stars abandoned the idea…

You’d assume the two groups would get together fast, but defenseman Wade Arnott’s agent stated they haven’t spoken yet.According to Darren Dreger (Insider Trading), Tanev’s chances of signing with the Queen City are great.

In addition to the former Flames and Stars standout, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Nikita Zadorov are believed to be on Toronto’s radar.

Yaroslav Askarov is another youngster who is generating a lot of interest from throughout the league. Juuse Saros, the Predators’ goaltender, will sign for another eight-year contract, but his future is not in Nashville.

Barry Trotz isn’t in a hurry to sell him, although you’d assume a deal could happen during the draft.

In the end, it did not happen, but it does not mean that clubs aren’t calling. According to Friedman, the General Manager received multiple calls.

We know Kent Hughes received a lot of calls about his fifth pick, and it’s reasonable to question if Trotz was one of them. After all, Trotz desired a top-five choice.

Martin Necas and Rutger McGroarty, who won’t be at the Jets’ development camp, are other players to keep an eye on.