Insider Provides Update on 3 Key Pending UFA Forwards

As the NHL Draft approaches, trades continue to roll in, and free agency is around the corner, NHL insiders are providing updates at what feels like an alarming rate. The latest come from TSN’s Pierre LeBrun who posted three updates in row. His focus was on Blake Coleman out of Calgary, Mason Marchment out of Columbus, and A.J. Greer of the Florida Panthers.

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Blake Coleman

LeBrun writes, “Trade market quiet for the moment on Blake Coleman. Obviously that can change in a moment’s notice. But it sounds like the 10 teams on his approved trade list either don’t have enough cap room to engage fully or some of the teams are working on other targets for now. Coleman, 34, has one year left on his deal at $4.9 million.”

In other words, there are interested teams, but Coleman is not their priority. At his age, cap hit and limited list of team’s he’d be willing to join, the Flames might have to wait for teams to strike out on other deals before circlilng back to Calgary and GM Craig Conroy.

Mason Marchment

LeBrun writes, “Sounds like a pretty robust market developing for pending UFA winger Mason Marchment if he goes to market. Blue Jackets still keeping in touch, however, could see CBJ making an 11th-hour pitch next week before July 1.”

The Blue Jackets would like to re-sign Marchment, but the temptation of a market that is bound to overpay for somewhat consistent production means that he’ll get paid well. All the while, talk in Columbus that Zach Werenski may be the next major player to ask for a trade has to have pending UFAs thinking twice about extending long-term.

A.J. Greer

LeBrun writes, “A.J. Greer’s intention is to head to market. Leaving door open to Florida if Panthers can find cap space or make a move. But all signs point to pending UFA winger and bruising winger, coming off career high 17 goals, going to July 1 market.

Greer is one of those players in Florida who could be squeezed out as the Panthers try to make room to sign a top-notch goaltender. With the acquisition of Brady Tkachuk, the need to extend Greer is less pressing than it once was. Greer, like Marchment, has tools that teams will find attractive. He’s bound to get overpaid for one big season.

Next: The NHL Trade Market Is On Fire — And the Canucks Can’t Just Watch