2024 NHL free agency blog: Latest Rangers & League news, rumors

Known within the League as the “silly season,” NHL free agency kicks off Monday with the New York Rangers and 31 other teams looking to improve their lost for next season and beyond.

Several big names, including Rangers target Patrick Kane, never made it to July 1, signing with their previous teams during the exclusive negotiating window. But there’ll be plenty of moves beginning Monday, many of the head-scratching variety and others more shrewd that could swing the balance of power one way or the other in the NHL.

There’ll be trades — did anyone say Jacob Trouba? — and plenty of rumors, as well.

Here’s our Forever Blueshirts Blog of everything going on in 2024 NHL free agency.

Related: ‘Disappointed, shocked’ Jacob Trouba could try to block Rangers trade

Will Sam Carrick replace Barclay Goodrow on Rangers’ 4th line?

The Rangers reportedly are signing free-agent center Sam Carrick. Andy Strickland reported the news early Monday morning. The Fourth Period followed up and reported that Carrick will receive a three-year deal with the Rangers with a $1 million AAV.

The 32-year-old center would effectively slide into Barclay Goodrow’s spot on the fourth line. Goodrow was claimed off waivers by the San Jose Sharks earlier in the offseason.

Carrick would be a more affordable option, though he’s not a two-time Stanley Cup champion like Goodrow either. Carrick has 240 games of NHL experience, mostly with the Anaheim Ducks. He was traded ahead of the 2024 deadline to the Edmonton Oilers and played in 10 playoff games this spring. He combined for 10 goals and 16 points this past season with the Ducks and Oilers.

Tyler Bertuzzi heading to Blackhawks: report

Connor Bedard is getting more scoring help with the Chicago Blackhawks, it appears. Per several reports, Tyler Bertuzzi will ink a four-year contract with the Blackhawks when free agency officially begins.

The 29-year-old forward scored 21 goals and had 43 points with the Toronto Maple Leafs this past season, after signing a one-year contract as a free agent last summer. Though he’s battled injuries in his career, Bertuzzi has scored 20 goals four times, including an NHL career-high 30 in 2021-22 with the Detroit Red Wings.

The Maple Leafs likely weren’t going to be able to keep both Bertuzzi and Max Domi in free agency. So, when Domi signed a four-year, $15 million contract to stay in Toronto on Sunday, it was clear Bertuzzi was going to hit the open market.

‘Decision has been been made’ by Rangers to move on from Jacob Trouba

As has been reported by Forever Blueshirts and many other outlets, the Rangers are looking to move Jacob Trouba to free up some or all of $8 million salary cap hit the next two seasons. The most likely scenario has the Rangers trading their captain to the Detroit Red Wings and retaining $2.5 million in salary each season.

This is not sitting well with Trouba, who could try and block the Rangers’ preferred trade option. Trouba’s no-move clause became a 15-team no-trade clause Monday.

Due in part to a business decision, and now with the bad feelings mixed in, Trouba’s days on Broadway are numbered.

“If Trouba does not approve a trade to Detroit that is believed in place, he will ultimately be sent somewhere else, perhaps by waivers. The decision has been made,” Larry Brooks reported in the New York Post.

Patrick Kane, Jake Guentzel, Sam Reinhart off the board before July 1 arrives

Three of the biggest names in free agency never made it to the open market. Patrick Kane signed a one-year, $4 million contract to stay with the Red Wings. His deal includes another $2.5 in bonuses. The Red Wings didn’t provide terms, but did announce the signing Sunday night.

Sam Reinhart reportedly re-upped with the Florida Panthers after helping them win the Stanley Cup last week. Reports say he’s getting $69 million over eight years. His contract has not been officially announced yet by the Panthers.

Jake Guentzel and the Tampa Bay Lightning, who acquired the forward’s rights from the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2025 third-round draft pick Sunday, agreed to a seven-year, $63 million contract Monday morning.

So, that’s three stud forwards off the board before free agency officially begins July 1.

Kane was the one who was most tied to the Rangers. It was widely believed New York had significant interest in a reunion with Kane, who played for the Rangers down the stretch in 2023 and in their first-round playoff loss to the New Jersey Devils.

Guentzel always appeared more of a pipe dream for the Rangers, with his AAV expected to be above $9 million. And it was expected that Reinhart and the Panthers would do everything possible to keep the 57-goal scorer in South Florida.

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