NYHN Daily: Islanders Options, Ho-Sang Experiment Over & More

Today is a rather important day, as free agency begins at 12 PM ET. The New York Islanders have needs and is there a chance we see some signings today? The Ho-Sang experiment is officially over in New York. These stories and more in today’s daily links!

The news keeps flowing as the New York Islanders and the rest of the NHL quickly approach the noon opening of free agency on Wednesday. The Islanders have been linked to plenty of players as Wednesday has approached. In fact, one name that continues to be connected to the Islanders has been Zach Parise and it appears even more signs are pointing to a sort of homecoming. (NYI Hockey Now)

Is this the year Josh Ho-Sang and the New York Islanders finally go their separate ways? It certainly seems that way. The 25-year-old Ho-Sang is close to signing a two-way deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. That would likely mean Ho-Sang would start with the AHL Toronto Marlies next season. (NYI Hockey Now)

Free agency begins Wednesday. The trade market is still active. And the Islanders still have lineup holes to fill. So here we are with our list: 15 possible free-agent targets and five possible trade targets for the Islanders, who have $17.67 million in cap space, plus another $6 million to come when Johnny Boychuk goes on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) near the start of the season. (The Athletic)

The NHL trade and free agent markets continued to buzz with chatter and action on the eve of NHL free agency. Unfortunately, for the Boston Bruins and their fans, the Bruins remained part of the chatter and none of the action. The Bruins remain involved in multiple NHL trade and free agent talks and we will get to that in a bit, but first, let’s discuss the latest on two current Bruins who can become unrestricted free agents tomorrow. (Boston Hockey Now)

The hockey world exploded on Tuesday morning was the Vegas Golden Knights shook up the NHL trade market by trading Vezina-winning goalie and great human Marc-Andre Fleury to the Chicago Blackhawks for a low-level minor player. Following the best season of Fleury’s 16-year career, he was unceremoniously traded from a place where he was eminently happy and established, and Pittsburgh Penguins trade rumors appeared immediately. The Fleury trade wasn’t just surprising for the lack of return. It was an outrage against fairness and a violation of a goodbye that the face of a franchise should receive. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Chuck Fletcher has filled a lot of the Philadelphia Flyers’ holes this season but a few still remain. One of the biggest remaining needs is a backup goalie –– or tandem goalie –– for Carter Hart. Darcy Kuemper could be that guy. The Flyers reportedly are among teams that “have shown varying degrees of interest” in the Arizona Coyotes goalie. Pierre LeBrun speculates that the Flyers, Avalanche, Maple Leafs, Hurricanes, and Oilers are in on Kuemper. However, Colorado and Edmonton have their own goalie situations to deal with. The Maple Leafs and Hurricanes would likely be the Flyers’ biggest competition for Kuemper. (Philly Hockey Now)

When Sam Bennett was traded to the Florida Panthers from Calgary at the deadline, he felt an instant chemistry with his teammates that translated extremely well to the scoresheet. In 10 regular season games to close things out, Bennett had six goals and 15 points — eclipsing the 12 points he had in 38 games with the Flames. A restricted free agent, Bennett said there was “never a thought” a new contract wouldn’t get done with the Panthers and on Monday, he signed a four-year deal with the team worth $4.4 million per season. (Florida Hockey Now)

The Washington Capitals signed Alex Ovechkin seemingly for the remainder of his NHL career. On Tuesday, they inked the Russian to a five-year, $47.5 million extension that carries an AAV of $9.5 million. Looking at the contract from all angles, it’s a slam dunk. Ovechkin not only transformed the hockey scene in D.C. but helped establish a winning culture. His leadership over time, especially since wearing the “C” starting in 2010, has helped Washington achieve new heights. (Washington Hockey Now)

When the free agent signing period starts at noon on Wednesday, the Red Wings will have more buying power than every team in the NHL except the Buffalo Sabres. According to CapFriendly.com, the Red Wings have $37.6 million in cap space remaining with 14 players signed. The Sabres have almost $39 million in cap space with 11 signed players. Here is an overview of the Red Wings salary cap situation. (Detroit Hockey Now)

Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon didn’t express regret over the firestorm, which resulted in traded Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury finding out about the trade via Twitter. He did explain the Golden Knights process and took the heat. McCrimmon jolted the NHL trade market on Tuesday when he dealt Fleury to the Chicago Blackhawks for a little-used minor leaguer, Mikael Hakkarainen. Hakkarainen will be no more than the answer to a trivia question in 10 years. But that’s not the important part of the story. (Vegas Hockey Now)

In the end, the answer kept coming back to yes. And no. Yes: Gabe Landeskog has been a very good player for us the last 10 years. No: We’ve never gone past the second round of the playoffs with him. Yes: Landeskog has scored 20 or more goals in eight of his first 10 NHL seasons, all with the Avs. No: But we’ve never gone past the second round of the playoffs with him.. Yes: Landeskog is the leader of the team, and it won’t be easy to replace him.. No: You’re right. So, the yesses won out with the Colorado Avalanche hierarchy tonight. In the end, why, yes, giving Landeskog an eight-year, $56 million contract was worth it. On the day before he could have become an unrestricted free agent, Landeskog re-signed the long-term deal with the only team he’s ever played for. (Colorado Hockey Now)

It’s official: The San Jose Sharks have bought out Martin Jones. Jones had three years at $5.75 million per left in his contract. Now what is the plan in goal. There are options, but the stronger goaltenders will be too expensive and the other goaltenders that were bought out struggled last season. (San Jose Hockey Now)