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Free Agency and Off Season
July 1:
We opened the free agency period with a bang by signing the number one available FA, Ryan Callahan. The Lightning decided not to pursue an extension after an early exit in the playoffs while Callahan's former team, along with Martin St. Louis, went on to win the Cup. We signed him for 6 years at $5.6 million per year. This move gives our top young player Sean Monahan another top tier partner on the first line, along with Jiri Hudler.
July 2:
All in all the roster is shaping up nicely. The biggest problem we have is fourth line veteran Mike Cammalleri's massive salary. At $7.5 million, he is going to be hard to trade, and we would much rather use that cap space. He has been place on waivers, though we are not expecting much interest due to his contract.
July 3:
Signed first round pick Sam Bennet to a 3 yr entry level contract.
July 4:
Cammalleri clears waivers and we exercise our buyout option. We will pay $2.5m for the next 6 years. We also re-signed Kari Ramo to a 3 yr extension worth 2.9m a year.
July 30
Signed centre Derek Roy. This turned out to be a mistake as our scouting was off base on his ability. Instead of centering our fourth line, he will likely serve as a backup player. The cost was low, so not a huge blow to our budget.
July 31
Signed wingers Jussi Jokinen and Milan Michalek to fill out our forwards. Michalek will play RW on the second line, while Jokinen will play LW on the 4th line.
Sept. 7
Signed prospect goaltender Zach Fucale.
Significant Signings (Over $2m/yr):
Thomas Vanek to Sabres 6 years/$36.5m
Darcey Kuemper to Wild 3 yrs/$14.5m
Brooks Orpik to MTL 3yrs/$6m
Mayson Raymond to MTL 3yrs/$9.5m
Steve Downie to DET 3yrs/$8.6m
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