It’s hard not to think the NHL offseason is in its dog days when it comes to excitement. There have been some interesting trades and signings including the Montreal Canadiens bringing in Ben Chiarot and Nick Cousins, but August is when things truly slow down.
July at least had the opening of the free-agent market and an offer sheet attempt. The only thing August brings is the end of salary arbitration hearings on the 4th and the expiration of any unsigned college-drafted players on the 15th. Marc Bergevin took care of the arbitration causes before it went in front of a third party signing Joel Armia, Artturi Lehkonen, and Charles Hudon to contracts.