Photo by: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Badgers in the NHL: Free Agent Frenzy
October 15, 2020 | Men's Hockey, NHL Badgers
Craig Smith, Kyle Turris, Justin Schultz sign with new organizations; Kunin, Elliott make news
MADISON, Wis. — A few former Wisconsin men's hockey players are set to suit up with new teams this upcoming season. Following the NHL Entry Draft, Oct. 9 marked the beginning of the free agency signing period and teams wasted no time improving their roster.
The Boston Bruins signed Craig Smith, a Badger from 2009-11, to a three-year contract at $3.1 million per year. Smith, a five-time 20-goal scorer in the NHL, spent the last eight seasons with the Nashville Predators, putting up a career high of 24 goals and 28 assists for 52 points during the 2013-14 season. The Madison native helped lead the Predators to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2018.
Kyle Turris (2007-08), also a member of the Nashville Predators last season, signed a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.65 million with the Edmonton Oilers. Turris boasts over 700 career NHL games over 12 seasons with Arizona, Ottawa and Nashville, putting up 165 goals and 416 points, and three 50-point campaigns.
The Edmonton Oilers recently drafted current Badger forward Dylan Holloway 14th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
The Nashville Predators may have lost a couple former Badgers, but they gained one as well, acquiring Luke Kunin (2015-17) in a trade with the Minnesota Wild. Kunin tallied 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points in 63 games last season.
Justin Schultz (2009-12) signed a two-year contract worth $8 million with the Washington Capitals. Schultz skated for the Pittsburgh Penguins for the past five seasons, hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017. The defenseman recorded an astounding 44 points in 37 games for the Badgers during the 2011-12 season.
The Boston Bruins signed Craig Smith, a Badger from 2009-11, to a three-year contract at $3.1 million per year. Smith, a five-time 20-goal scorer in the NHL, spent the last eight seasons with the Nashville Predators, putting up a career high of 24 goals and 28 assists for 52 points during the 2013-14 season. The Madison native helped lead the Predators to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2018.
Kyle Turris (2007-08), also a member of the Nashville Predators last season, signed a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.65 million with the Edmonton Oilers. Turris boasts over 700 career NHL games over 12 seasons with Arizona, Ottawa and Nashville, putting up 165 goals and 416 points, and three 50-point campaigns.
The Edmonton Oilers recently drafted current Badger forward Dylan Holloway 14th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
The Nashville Predators may have lost a couple former Badgers, but they gained one as well, acquiring Luke Kunin (2015-17) in a trade with the Minnesota Wild. Kunin tallied 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points in 63 games last season.
Yeah he'll look better in gold. pic.twitter.com/H1QAKoqv30
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) October 7, 2020
Justin Schultz (2009-12) signed a two-year contract worth $8 million with the Washington Capitals. Schultz skated for the Pittsburgh Penguins for the past five seasons, hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017. The defenseman recorded an astounding 44 points in 37 games for the Badgers during the 2011-12 season.
Former Badger goaltender Brian Elliott (2003-07) re-signed with the Philadelphia Flyers at $1.5 million for one year. Elliott played in 31 games with the Flyers last season, recording a 2.87 goals against average and .899 save percentage. He backstopped the Badgers to the national championship in 2006 and is an NHL veteran, only 28 games away from 500 NHL games played.Justin Schultz will wear 2️⃣ with the Washington Capitals pic.twitter.com/nyfcw5SzQU
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 14, 2020
The NHL is planning to begin the 2020-21 season on Jan. 1, 2021. The Badgers are aiming for a Nov. 13 start to their season.Mooooooooooosssssseee https://t.co/hlX356tmNn
— Claude Giroux (@28CGiroux) October 4, 2020
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