Schmaltz's Mega Deal Shakes NHL Free Agency

0:00On this March 13th, here's what's making headlines for the NHL. The Utah Hockey Club just locked up forward, Nick Schmaltz with an eight-year contract at $8 million per season. This move pulls him off the free agency market and could push up prices for other top players heading into July 1st. Several big names are still on track to hit free agency, including Vegas' defenseman Rasmus Anderson with 11 goals and 25 assists. This season, Buffalo Forward, Alex Touch, who posted 28 goals and 29 assists and Anaheim's defenseman John Carlson and Jacob Truba both, coming off high-value deals. Evgeny Malkin of the Penguins might circle back for an extension there while players like Touch could stay put too. But guys such as Anderson and Truba are drawing strong interest from rivals, setting up bidding wars. This Smaltz deal has fans and teams buzzing about higher annual values or longer terms across the board. It shifts leverage toward players and forces general managers

1:03to rethink their budgets. Meanwhile, bubble playoff teams may skip big free agent splashes and pivot to trades instead, preserving draft picks and prospects for the long haul. Keep an eye on the market as it heats up. D&N is brought to you by our sponsor. Headphones in a pillow, simple idea, surprisingly addictive, S-O-L-L-I, solely pillow.com.