from Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun,

Teams are already trying to determine the course of action with their own pending UFAs so they can either sign them or move on to be better prepared for Wednesday. More than a few GMs went into serious deal mode as of Saturday night once their last draft picks were made and everyone had a better picture of what the expansion Seattle Kraken roster looked like. By Monday night, all restricted free agents knew if they were getting qualifying offers or not, setting a few up to join the UFA bonanza.

Jack Eichel’s agents have let it be known he’s skating again, some added enticement for clubs concerned about his medical condition. In addition to his frustration with the ongoing cycle of losing in Buffalo, there is disagreement with the Sabres about treating the herniated disc in his neck. Eichel is said to want a disc replacement, an uncommon operation for an NHLer that the Sabres’ medical staff deems too risky. It’s a stance Eichel’s reps say underline their belief it’s best he move on.

But five years with a $10-million US cap hit is a lot for any new team to take on, never mind the health issue and putting a trade package together. At 100% Eichel, on the other hand, is a game-changer for any club.

In Denver, GM Joe Sakic is trying to calm fears that he’ll lose both captain Gabriel Landeskog and No. 1 goalie Philipp Grubauer, telling reporters that Wednesday does not equate to doomsday on their careers in Colorado. But Landeskog’s stated disappointment at the pace of talks has understandably made fans antsy.

In Carolina, the Hurricanes are trying to keep second-team all-star defenceman Dougie Hamilton from walking.

“We’re running across some deadlines here (and) deadlines are when things usually happen,” GM Don Waddell said post-draft. “I know Dougie’s very familiar with where we are. We still know what his thoughts are, and it’s up to his agent, (J.P. Barry) and I to figure it out, It’s got to fit for him and for us. But I feel pretty good that we’ll be able to get this done.”

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