Although the Stanley Cup has yet to be hoisted to signify the official end of the 2023-24 season, teams around the league are already starting to make waves (and waivers) in the marketplace.
Indeed, three fairly significant transactions went down Wednesday, all involving our Metro Division brethren.
In no particular order, gritty bottom-six forward Barclay Goodrow was claimed off waivers by San Jose, sparing the Rangers the pain of a buyout.
With consensus No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini sure to join the Sharks in the upcoming draft, the move smacks of the Blackhawks adding rugged veterans Nick Foligno and Corey Perry last summer to provide veteran leadership and ride shotgun for phenom Connor Bedard.
In an eye-opening swap of problem contracts, the Capitals acquired talented but pricey problem-child center Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Kings in a potential boon-or-bust exchange for goalie Darcy Kuemper. At the callow age of 25, the Caps become the fourth NHL stop for Dubois, a former third overall pick (in ’16) known as much for his prickly demeanor as his physical attributes (6’4″ 225) and on-ice achievements.
One season into an eight-year deal that pays him a Crosby-esque $8.5 million per, there were rumblings in LA that the Kings were actually entertaining thoughts of a buyout following Dubois’ disappointing 16-goal debut campaign on the left coast.
Whether he can resurrect his career (and reputation) with Washington is anyone’s guess. It certainly was a gutsy move on the part of Caps GM Brian MacLellan, whose team sorely needs help down the middle.
On the flip side, the 34-year-old Kuemper never really established himself in DC after backstopping the Avs to a Cup in ’22. Displaced as the starter by journeyman Charlie Lindgren (sound familiar?), he’s got three years left on a deal that pockets him $5.275 million per. A shade under what our Tristan Jarry is pulling down.
Speaking of goalies, three months after nearly landing him at the trade deadline the Devils finally got their man, acquiring Jacob Markström from the Flames for a first-round pick in the ’25 Entry Draft and rugged 6’6” defenseman Kevin Bahl, who I confess I’ve had my eye on.
Signed for two more seasons at a very reasonable AAV of $4.125 million, the towering Markström promises to solidify the ultra-skilled young Devils between the pipes, where they were failed this season by a virtual netminding carousel including Vitek Vanecek, Jake Allen and Akira Schmid.
Speaking of rumblings, word is the Sabres may consider buying out the last three seasons of left wing Jeff Skinner’s contract, which carries an AAV of $9 million (ouch).
After notching 68 goals over a two-season span for the Sabres, the Toronto native dipped to a still decent 24 last season.
Much like present Pen Reilly Smith, the 32-year-old forward has a history of being somewhat streaky, alternating productive seasons with meh ones.
Still, if the price and term are right (after buyout, of course)? Known for his skating, edgework and sniping, Skinner might make for an intriguing addition, not to mention potential linemate for Sidney Crosby.
BULLETIN…Pens Re-sign Nedeljkovic
This just in…the Pens have re-signed goalie Alex Nedeljkovic to a two-year deal with an AAV of $2.5 million.
Personally, I’m all for it. I really like the job Ned did overall last season and particularly down the stretch when he posted an 8-1-3 mark. I especially love Ned’s quickness, rebound control and competitive fire, not to mention his ability to read the play.
A hearty thumb’s up for Kyle Dubas on this move.
