It's Over! First Order of Business for NHL Teams

Early this morning, the NHL lockout thankfully came to a conclusion. It'll likely take until Tuesday for all of the paperwork to be finalized and voted on, however once that happens several teams will have some very important business to take care of right away, as several key players remain unsigned as restricted free agents. They are: (per CapGeek.com)

Ryan O'Reilly - Colorado
Jamie Benn - Dallas
Dmitry Kulikov - Florida
P.K. Subban - Montreal
Micahel Del Zotto - New York Rangers
Cody Franson - Toronto

I full expect all of these players to sign quickly. In fact, I'd be surprised if most of the weren't signed by Wednesday. Teams feel a need to win fans back right now due to the bitterness of the lockout, and making sure the players that fans love come back will be important. It is also important to note that all of the above players are also stars for their teams besides Franson. These deals should all be interesting as they'll set the marketplace in the new salary cap.

Cody Franson is a bit different though. After being acquired by Toronto two summers ago, he never seemed to mesh last season. He's a large, offensively gifted defenseman who isn't physical and isn't strong in his own end. He's fine on the power play, and sheltered with offensive zone starts. However, that's not something Toronto needs. I'm still expecting to see him get signed quickly, but likely traded quickly as well. He may be of interest for teams like Minnesota, Detroit, Dallas, and Edmonton who all look a little light on the blueline. He also could be part of a deal for Roberto Luongo, who many reporters have claimed Toronto has interest in.

I'll try to be post regularly now that the NHL is back, including more details about the new CBA once they're made readily available. In the mean time, I can't wait to start hearing about actual hockey news on Tuesday!

P.S. Also look for Kyle Palmieri (MIN), James Sheppard(SJ), and Nick Petrecki (SJ) to all be quickly signed. They're in the same boat, but will be signed to two-way deals and will likely play in the AHL.