** A quick run though of embedded rumors before the start of free agency **
On Frans Nielsen …
Free agency opens at noon. Frans Nielsen is #RedWings main target. Guess is they get a deal done.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) July 1, 2016
#RedWings still have room to add UFA. Need center. Top target is Frans Nielsen.
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) July 1, 2016
Word is NYI and Frans Nielsen “have moved on.” Barring last-minute change of heart, he is going to market.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2016
Source just confirmed to me what @FriedgeHNIC tweeted. #isles and Frans Nielsen are parting company.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) July 1, 2016
Red Wings have inside track on Frans Nielsen. Was top target after Stamkos. https://t.co/iwv01K4XCF
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) July 1, 2016
On the St. Louis Blues …
Appears #stlblues will be looking to add two forwards, in addition to Vlad Sobotka, and a backup goaltender
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) June 30, 2016
Army said that Sobotka’s return is not official, but “I’ve talked to him the last two days (and) he said he’s on his way back.” #stlblues
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) July 1, 2016
His agent was working on his KHL release this past week. Important player to be returning to Blues once official https://t.co/wp62eLMHXf
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) July 1, 2016
Hearing #stlblues looking to bring back David Perron; Hearing #flames all over Troy Brouwer
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) July 1, 2016
Things can change in a phone call but it doesn’t look like any last-second deal coming w/Backes & Blues. I’d expect him to hit market.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) July 1, 2016
Also looks like Troy Brouwer headed to free agency. Does’t sound like a deal with Blues happening in next hour barring major change.
— Craig Custance (@CraigCustance) July 1, 2016
On Patrick Wiercioch …
Defenseman Patrick Wiercioch will be signing with the Colorado Avalanche.
— Travis Yost (@travisyost) July 1, 2016