As the conference finals wrap up this week and the Stanley Cup Final starting early next week – with the Nashville Predators clinching the first of two spots – the NHL’s off-season is getting that much closer. From the Expansion Draft to the Entry Draft and free agency frenzy, GMs around the league, including Don Sweeney, are starting to plan ahead for the upcoming season.
First things first for Sweeney, however, are a few housekeeping items that include decisions on pending restricted and unrestricted free agents. The top pending free agent is David Pastrnak, who will be looking for a nice raise following a career season during the final year of his entry-level contract.