from Luke Fox of Sportsnet,

We’re under two weeks before players report for physicals, and the cluster of unsigned restricted free agents remains the hottest topic in all NHL conversations, be they on daytime talk radio, at family barbecues or inside airport security offices.

The angst is real....

It is August 31. Do you know where Jake Gardiner is going to play hockey?

Once Erik Karlsson extended, I swore Gardiner would be the most coveted UFA defenceman, even ahead of Tyler Myers, and am stunned he’s still looking for a job.

Is he being too picky?

Does he have a tacit agreement in place with a team still waiting to sort out its RFAs or a trade?

Did he overplay his hand?

“Part of it is the GMs have a very busy schedule. End of season – exit meetings, draft, development camp, free agency, and then after that week, they feel the need to take stock, let the dust settle and see where they’re at before they make the next move,” explains Moore, who acted as his own agent.

“So if you don’t agree [on a deal] right away, you have to wait it out, just based on how the calendar momentum works. But he’s too good a player to not have opportunities. He’s just going to have to be patient for now.”

I see the best fits for Gardiner in Montreal or Detroit. Elliotte Friedman floated out Winnipeg as a possibility, which is interesting.

more RFA talk...