The Islanders re-signed Ilya Sorokin to a long-term extension, the Rangers signed Jonathan Quick, the Panthers traded Anthony Dockler to the Sharks, and so much more headlines today’s NHL Morning Coffee.
SPECTATOR NOTE: You can see my list of notable NHL signings and trades during free agency hours on July 1 by following this link. Here is a compilation of what happened later in the day or in the evening.
New York Post: The Islanders signed guard Ilya Sorokin to an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $8.25 million.
SPECTATOR NOTE: Clever move by the Carrots to get the starting goalkeeper under a long stretch. In just three NHL seasons, the 27-year-old Sorokin has firmly established himself as one of the best football players in the league. It’s also a reasonable AAV that could become a bargain in the long run if he maintains his level of play over that period, especially with the salary cap rising in the years to come.
Speaking of goalkeepers, the New York Rangers Occurred Jonathan Quick to a one-year, $825,000 contract with a maximum of $100,000 in performance bonuses.
Bystander note: Quick wasn’t the elite goaltender a decade ago when he backed the Los Angeles Kings to two Stanley Cups in three years. However, the 37-year-old could be a reliable 20-25-game backup for rookie Igor Shesterkin, who could also draw on Quick’s experience.
TSNThe Florida Panthers traded winger Anthony Dockler to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Stephen Lorentz and a fifth-round pick in 2025.
Observer’s note: This was a salary dump by the Panthers to free up space for the salary cap. There is speculation that they may add via the free agent market. We’ll find out if that’s the case soon.
The 27-year-old Dockler has reached or exceeded 20 goals and 40 points three times in his nine NHL seasons, but was limited to just nine points in 20 games in 2022-23 due to a torn Achilles tendon. He holds AAV worth $3 million for 2023-24 and will be UFA next summer.
Duclair should provide a boost to the Sharks’ offense but may not fit into the club’s long-term rebuilding plans. Don’t be surprised if they shop it close to the 2024 trade deadline.
Toronto Maple Leafs Occurred defenseman John Klingberg to a one-year, $4.15 million deal.
Detroit hockey now: The Red Wings signed defenseman Shane Justespierre to a one-year, $4.125 million contract.
daily face: The Philadelphia Flyers signed Garnet Hathaway to a two-year, $4.75 million contract.
New Jersey hockey now: The Devils acquired defenseman Colin Miller from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2025.
Colorado hockey now: The Avalanche signed defenseman Beau Byram to a two-year contract with AAV worth $3.85 million.
Spectator note: This is a bridge deal for Biram, who was executing his original contract and lacking arbitration rights. The talented 22-year-old has been injury-restricted to 72 appearances over the past two seasons.
TSN: The Arizona Coyotes signed Alex Kerfoot to a two-year, $7 million contract.
SPORTSNET: The Detroit Red Wings signed guard Alex Lyon to a two-year, $1.8 million deal.
daily face: Tyler Bertuzzi and Vladimir Tarasenko are among the notable players still available in the unrestricted free agent market this summer.
Others include Max Dumy, Patrick Kane, Matt Dumbaa and Jonathan Toews.
Bystander note: Don’t expect Kane or Towes to sign new contracts right away. Kane is recovering from hip resurfacing which could sideline him for at least four months while Toews contemplates whether to return to action or retire.
Hockey News: Adam Fantelli will not return to the University of Michigan, signing a three-year rookie contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 18-year-old was selected third overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Montreal Gazette: Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is asking fans of the club to be patient with David Reinbacher before judging his performance. Some Canadian fans were so upset with the Habs’ selection of the 18-year-old Austrian defenseman with the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, that many sent hate mail to Reinbacher on social media.
Bystander note: One of the things you disagree with is the team’s first-round pick during the draft. It is another way to attack the player on their social media account. People who do this are cowards who get off on saying things to people on social media that they wouldn’t dare say to their faces. You are not the type of fan your favorite team wants or needs to be.