The moves will come in fast and furious when noon hits on Tuesday and free agency officially opens. But with teams already allowed to talk with soon-to-be free agents ahead of that 12 p.m. ET start time, there are already plenty of rumors and plenty of big names that sound like they’ll soon be on the move.
NHL free agency rumors: Ryan Miller likely to Canucks, Leafs courting Josh Gorges
We’re still over an hour away from the official start to free agency, and the rumors are beginning to fly in.
Ryan Miller, who was reportedly in Vancouver on Sunday meeting with Canucks brass, looks like he'll be the first chip in the goaltending carousel to move on Tuesday, as was expected.
"Yes, he'll be a Canuck today, there's no doubt it in my mind." - McKenzie on Ryan Miller
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) July 1, 2014 If Miller does in fact sign, that likely opens up the door for Jonas Hiller, the second-best available goalie on the market, who likely wasn't going anywhere until Miller inked a new deal. But according to Chris Johnston of Rogers Sportsnet, Hiller won't be without a contract for long.
Expect goaltender Jonas Hiller to find a new home today. Five teams have expressed strong interest.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) July 1, 2014 Detroit’s hunt for defense
Moving out of the crease, Christian Ehrhoff was a surprise name in the pool of free agent defensemen after he was amnestied by the Sabres. The Red Wings are looking to shore up their defense, but not by courting Ehrhoff, as it's being reported that the Red Wings may hop into the Matt Niskanen sweepstakes, according to Ansar Khan of MLive.
Penguins looking for wingers
In Pittsburgh, new GM Jim Rutherford is looking to retool a talented Penguins roster that disappointingly bowed out in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The objective has always been putting enough skill around Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and with Jussi Jokinen likely on the move and James Neal now in Nashville, the Penguins will reportedly make a push for wingers Benoit Pouliot and Nikolai Kulemin.
Toronto courting Gorges, but he’s not biting
Finally, Toronto spent Monday trying to acquire Josh Gorges of the Canadiens, but the the 29-year-old forward shot down the trade. The Leafs are still apparently hot in pursuit, hoping Gorges changes his mind.
Toronto still waiting and hopeful Josh Gorges will have a change of heart. Otherwise, interest shifts to D.Boyle or Stephane Robidas. #FAF
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2014 See More:
