NHL warns teams not to make any moves despite being eligible
The NHL has reportedly communicated to its teams to refrain from making trades for the time being, despite the official eligibility for such moves.
According to a well-regarded source on X known for insights on the Ottawa Senators, the league aims to minimize distractions as the Stanley Cup playoffs reach their climax.
This informal request suggests the league is keen on allowing the Stanley Cup finals to be the focal point without the overshadowing buzz of trades and contract negotiations.
As the Florida Panthers vie for a Stanley Cup victory in Edmonton tonight, numerous teams are poised to finalize long-discussed deals. Notably, the Edmonton Oilers, still active in the playoffs, have initiated discussions about a contract extension with Leon Draisaitl's representatives.
With several impending free agents, the Oilers are just one of many NHL teams gearing up for a busy offseason.
The overarching strategy appears to be about timing. The league presumably prefers that the flurry of offseason activities�trades, drafts, and free agent signings�coincide with the Draft in Las Vegas and the opening of Free Agency on July 1.
This orchestrated timing aims to maximize fan engagement and media coverage, ensuring that the hockey season maintains its momentum even after the conclusion of the playoffs.
Whether the Oilers clinch the Cup or not, the coming weeks are set to be a whirlwind of activity for them and their fans, with the draft and free agency poised to quickly take center stage post-finals.
The NHL's suggestion to delay trades underscores the league's broader vision of keeping its fanbase engaged and the media spotlight focused on its marquee events throughout the entire year.
| POLL | ||
Do you believe the NHL instructs teams when they can and cannot make trades? | ||
| Yes, the NHL plays a role in it | 46 | 66.7 % |
| Of course not, teams do what they want | 19 | 27.5 % |
| See Results | 4 | 5.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
