If the NHL playoffs come to a close on Saturday night, that sets the offseason in motion. Some notes on timing for June:

  • The first buyout window will open 48 hours after the last playoff game and run to June 30.
  • The deadline for the first club-elected arbitration period is also 48 hours after the last game.
  • Qualifying Offers are due on June 30.
  • Between the end of the playoffs and the start of free agency on July 1, the NHL should release next year's schedule.
  • Free agency is July 1, and there is no formal pre-negotiation window.
  • Player-elected arbitration ends on July 5, and the NHLPA will announce those who have elected arbitration. Teams have 24 hours to elect arbitration after the player deadline.

If the Panthers don't sweep the series on Saturday, game five is Tuesday in Florida.

In news:

Posting this entirely for the graphic.

Senators open to trading 7th overall pick — The Fourth Period
The Senators are weighing their options when it comes to possibly trading the 7th overall pick.
The Fourth PeriodRumours

Is this the first official, "we're totally willing to trade that pick," statement this season?

Last year, they traded their first-rounder for Jacob Chychrun who they might trade this summer according to some reports. Vancouver got the Islanders first for trading them Bo Horvat and then used it to get Filip Hronek. Tampa traded their first for Brandon Hagel. LA gave their first to Columbus for Vladislav Gavrikov, and then Columbus traded it to the Flyers for Ivan Provorov in a deal that also involved the Kings, and still makes my head hurt to read.

Edmonton traded their first for Mattias Ekholm. Toronto moved theirs for Ryan O'Reilly. New Jersey traded theirs for Timo Meier. Botson traded theirs to the Capitals for Dmitry Orlov, and then the Caps traded it to Toronto for Rasmus Sandin. The Stars traded their pick to get Nils Lundqvist, and lastly the Panthers traded theirs to get Ben Chiarot and then Montréal traded it for Alex Newhook.

However, the first 11 picks were all used by the original team. Ottawa's 12th overall was the highest traded.

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And that's your weekend so far. Don't forget there will be two more draft profiles this weekend, EJ Emery and Teddy Stiga.

From The Branches