The 5 Biggest Offseason Trades, Signings, & News of 2017
The summer of 2017 has been one of the most exciting NHL offseasons in recent memory. From the arrival of the Las Vegas Golden Knights to the biggest contract in NHL history, here are five of our favorite headlines.
Alexander Radulov locked up in Dallas – 5 years/$31.25 million
The Dallas Stars have signed forward Alexander Radulov to a five-year, $31.25-million contract. https://t.co/Nf1f6FUAxm
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) July 3, 2017
After a rocky first few years in the NHL, Alexander Radulov returned to the NHL from Russia for the second and third time on short, one-year contracts with the Nashville Predators and Montreal Canadiens, respectively.
In the 2016-17 season, Radulov had a huge regular season, tallying 54 points (18G, 36A) in 76 games and finishing second on the Canadiens in scoring. But, according to Radulov, he wanted to sign a longer deal than what Montreal offered.
The Dallas Stars signed Alexander Radulov to a 5-year contract worth $31.25 million on July 3, 2017.
Ben Bishop to Dallas – 6 years/$29.5 million
Welcome to Dallas, Ben! Stars sign G Ben Bishop to a six-year, $29.5 million contract extension. https://t.co/DjsDiDWOeM
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) May 12, 2017
The Dallas Stars and shaky goaltending have gone hand-in-hand for a very long time. This star-filled (pun intended), offensive powerhouse has been plagued with two rotating goalies, both with subpar save percentages (.902 for Niemi and .892 for Lehtonen), and losing records.
The Stars traded a 2017 fourth round pick to Los Angeles at the end of the regular season for Ben Bishop, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. Dallas quickly penned Bishop to a 6-year, $29.5 million contract as they hope he will be the consistent starter they need.
McDavid re-signed in Edmonton – 8 years/$100 million
The #Oilers have signed Connor McDavid to an eight-year contract extension. pic.twitter.com/s2FSNLb0O7
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) July 5, 2017
No surprise here – the Edmonton Oilers see Connor McDavid as the future of the organization and gave him a generous contract extension for 8 years worth a massive $100 million. This contract will make McDavid the highest-paid player in NHL history and will give him the option to become an unrestricted free agent at the age of 29.
Los Angeles Kings clean house with their Front Office
Lombardi, Sutter let go; Robitaille, Blake promoted: https://t.co/SzIV0JhNMC
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) April 11, 2017
After two first-round exits in the 2010 and 2011 playoffs and a shaky start to the 2011-12 season, the Kings’ front office fired head coach Terry Murray and replaced him with Darryl Sutter just 33 games into the season. That season, Sutter coached the Kings to their first Stanley Cup victory in franchise history and then to their second in 2014. However, after barely missing the playoffs in 2014-15, getting embarrassed in the first round of the 2015-16 playoffs, and missing the playoffs again in 2016-17, the Kings’ ownership needed to make some changes.
On April 10, 2017, the Kings’ front office fired both head coach Darryl Sutter and general manager Dean Lombard and replaced them with John Stevens and Rob Blake, respectively. The Kings also hired Pierre Turgeon as an Offensive Coordinator in order to help the goal-starved team find the back of the net.
Patrick Marleau signs with Toronto – 3 years/$19 million
.@SportChek Player Alert: The @MapleLeafs have signed F Patrick Marleau to a three-year contract.
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 2, 2017
More: https://t.co/KjU1Iha1K7#TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/G4JQl4RL0Q
NHL veteran Patrick Marleau has been a key part of the San Jose Sharks organization for his entire 19-year, 1,493-game career. The 37-year-old forward helped bring the Sharks to the playoffs 17 times, but always fell short in reaching the Stanley Cup.
One day after Marleau’s contract expired on July 1, 2017, he made the difficult decision to leave San Jose to join the youthful Toronto Maple Leafs club on a 3-year, $18.75 million contract. This decision may be his last chance at winning his first Stanley Cup.