Beginning today the bulk of off season hockey activity takes place and lasts for about 4 weeks. The way the NHL operates, your lineup for the coming season is determined in a matter of a few weeks. It is guaranteed to keep Cliff Fletcher very busy if he intends on changing the make up of the team. He has been quoted to say that he would not be signing older free agents. He would explore moving up in the draft but is satisfied with the 7th pick because the draft is so deep. It also sounds like he will take another stab at trading a big contract player though only Kubina and Blake can be traded without the player's consent.
Here is a rundown of what takes place for the rest of the month.
June 15 to June 30: Window for buyouts
June 20: Pavel Kubina’s no trade contract has an open window for 6 weeks
June 20-21: Amateur Draft
June 25: Deadline to tender qualifying offer to RFAs (Stajan, Wellwood)
June 26: Negotiations with other teams’ RFAs permitted
July 1: Free agency begins (the big names are gone in the first week)
12 years ago
