NHL free agency rumors: Briere, Lecavalier with options; Elias staying put

NHL teams will be permitted to sign free agents come Friday. Here’s a look at who could be available when the market opens.

by Matt Brigidi

Jul 1, 2013, 2:04 PM UTC

John E. Sokolowski-US PRESSWIRE

With the 2013 NHL Draft completed, the next primary event on the league calendar is the start of free agency on Friday. While the market doesn’t necessarily contain many top-tier players, there are several options available for teams looking to upgrade their rosters.

Here’s a look at what’s being discussed the morning after the draft:

* Vincent Lecavalier is likely the most sought after free agent this summer. According to multiple reports, Lecavalier met with the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals. He is expected to identify front-runners in the coming days. It will take $4 million to $5 million over four to six years to acquire Lecavalier, according to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.

* LeBrun adds the Danny Briere has received interest from 15 teams and is expected to limit that to four or five clubs by Tuesday.

* The Buffalo Sabres are still interested in trading goaltender Ryan Miller, according to LeBrun. As of this writing, the Sabres are unsure whether it will occur this summer or before the trade deadline. Considering several teams are believed to be looking for goaltending, Miller's availability has the potential to affect the free agent market.

* The New Jersey Devils are nearing an agreement with unrestricted free agent forward Patrik Elias, according to Richard Chere of the Star-Ledger. Chere believes the deal will be completed before the start of free agency. Potential contract terms have not become public yet.

* Forward Mike Ribeiro is expected to test the free agent market, according to Renaud Lavoie of RDS. Despite voicing a desire to sign a long-term extension with the Capitals, it appears as though the two sides have been unable to find common ground in negotiations.

Ribeiro previously indicated that he was looking for a five-year contract but would be willing to sign a four-year deal. It has been insinuated that Washington was willing to go as long as three years. Ribeiro publicly stated in May that he would be willing to take less money for a longer term.

* The Pittsburgh Penguins and Pascal Dupuis have not progressed in contract negotiations, according to Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. Dupuis still remains interested in coming to terms with Pittsburgh. As of Monday morning, negotiations are still ongoing. Dupuis is believed to be seeking a three-year extension.

* Rossi also reports that negotiations between the Penguins and Matt Cooke are in a similar situation. Rossi writes that is it unlikely that Pittsburgh retains both Cooke and Dupuis.

* Craig Adams is another member of the Penguins set to hit the open market on Friday. However, his agent, Neil Sheehy, has informed Rossi that he thinks a deal will be completed before then.