Checking in on the free agents, restricted edition

Syracuse Crunch Gage Goncalves (39) skating against the Utica Comets in American Hockey League (AHL) action at the Upstate Medical University Arena in Syracuse, New York on Friday, November 24, 2023. Syracuse won 3-0. Photo by Scott Thomas (Scott Thomas Photography)At this time last year, along with the typical free agent drama, Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois had some restricted free agent business to conduct. Brandon Hagel was eligible for an extension and Ross Colton needed a contract that wouldn’t fit under the salary cap. He resolved those issues by signing Hagel to a deal that kicks in this season (although it took until August) and trading Ross Colton at the draft. Luckily, this year, he doesn’t have to worry about that.

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