As the Stanley Cup Finals shift to Florida for Game 3, the weekend is off from hockey. What do we do now? Well, Utah Mammoth fans and the rest of the league need to prepare for the next month as the NHL offseason comes quickly and goes by fast before everyone vacations and enjoys the beautiful weather.
Utah fans, let's take a look at the calendar ahead so you can plan accordingly. Remember, things will heat up prior to these dates, especially in the rumor mill. Here is a look at the big dates ahead:
1. NHL Combine
This began and ends this week(June 1-7). Bill Armstrong was busy with his dinner dates this week. Holding the 4th overall pick allows Armstrong to cast a wide net on potential draft picks.
2. First NHL Buyout Period
June 15th, or 48 hours after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals, will begin the chance for teams to buy out select players' contracts.
3. NHL Draft
Round 1 of the NHL draft will begin on June 27th. The remaining rounds(2-7) will conclude on June 28th. The Mammoth possesses one draft choice in each of the first 6 rounds, but does not own a draft choice in round 7.
4. Restricted Free Agents Qualifying Offer Deadline
By June 30th, all qualifying offers need to be made to restricted free agents. Utah has only one RFA from the NHL roster, and that is Jack McBain.
5. Free Agency Begins
July 1st, the doors open for free agents to sign with NHL clubs. This will be a day of refreshing X and NHL rumor sites until Utah signs a free agent.
Enjoy the break this weekend as things will pick up, starting with the conclusion to an already amazing series between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. Once the Stanley Cup is raised, the fun begins!