Among the bigger names still out there in NHL free agency is Paul Stastny. While not at the level of a Nazem Kadri or John Klingberg in terms of huge market appeal, Stastny is a useful player with veteran experience and a ton of talent who could help a contender in the right role. And, according to sources, it’s a contender he’s looking to sign with.
Stastny could have signed by now but speculation is that he’s looking to land with a team where he’s got a good shot at winning. He’s prepared to let the market calm down before he makes his decision. Chris Johnston of Sports Insights writes:
Stastny has been comfortable waiting out the market and seeing where things settle. His biggest priority is finding a team where he has a chance to chase a Stanley Cup, so this next contract is more about opportunity than dollars. He could be a sneaky good add for a contender in the second wave of free agency.
The fact that this isn’t necessarily about money for Stastny opens up a number of possibilities. Teams like Edmonton, Toronto, Tampa, and Colorado wouldn’t have been able to fit him into their system under normal circumstances. But, because he wants to win and is potentially willing to sign a one-year deal to do so, it will be curious to see who he identifies with as the best option. How much of a discount he’s willing to take is the key. If he wants somewhere in the range of $3-$3.75 million, his options are lowered. If he’s willing to sign for just over $1 million, there are going to be a lot of options out there for him.
Could this be a situation where the player waits until most of the rosters are set and takes a look at the teams to figure out if he’s in the right place? It certainly sounds that way.
There is always the possibility he returns to the Jets if no team has the room he thinks they will as the offseason comes to a close. Jets’ GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said on Wednesday, “Yeah, we talked to Stas’s group today.” He added, “I don’t think any doors are closed, but whether he has options or choices, that will be up to him, I guess. But I guess you just never say never to him.”
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