All Phase 1 Signings Updated to Site 1/16

Initial offers may be accepted as soon as January 18

****NOTE - It is on each and every GM to manage his roster. If you sign a free agent to a PRO contract, you cannot stash him on your minor league team indefinitely.

Penalties for doing so can and will result in the player requesting an outright release with fiscal compensation and further fees incurred to the organization for the mismanagement.

This is common sense practice and in line with anything realistic. If you try to circumvent the cap by signing an FA and stashing him, consider him KHL bound with fees to follow.

***As I have done for 2+ years, simulating "real life" free agent processes does in fact mean that if you snooze, you may lose on the player. Just like real life, quite the concept...

***If you want a player, be aggressive. Players will come off the board promptly, and even if they don't "sign" immediately, they will be rumored to have a suitor based on the interest. Again, be aggressive.

***PRO LEVEL Guarantees (available to 75OV< players) & Incentives for signing (differentiating yourself)

- Money talks - but it is not always the sole deciding factor. Use any and all of the following to help illustrate your offer. Be persuasive. Sell it.

- Pro-level guarantees (non-minor league options)

- Providing detail on how the player fits into your team and lineup can differentiate your offer in comparison to other offers

- FNHL history: Does the player have a history with the organization? With your team? Tell the story, sell the signing.

- NTC (No Trade Clause) can be offered when appropriate as a sweetener.

- No cash signing bonuses are permitted unless advised by Adam. At this point, it's not a factor to take into account.

UPDATE: Toews will have a window to talk exclusively with Minnesota....An unknown Eastern Conference team and Minnesota appear to be the 2 teams in the lead for Toews. Expect this to continue into Thursday evening.

UPDATE: Turris has left the Seattle table without a deal and may test the 2nd phase of FA...Turris will speak exclusively with Seattle on Friday....Pittsburgh, Seattle, and an unknown Western Conference club are all in play.

Hometown favorite (Minnesota) signs with Erickson in Nashville. Deal is a 2-way deal with promise at a regular pro spot.

DAL - 1 year at 11.25M (NTC)

UPDATE: As reported on Slack, Dallas gets it done...Sheppard will speak exclusively with Dallas tomorrow, unclear if terms are close but the Stars are getting a long look....All the following are in play (in no particular order): CBJ, TOR, DAL, VAN, STL, one more Eastern Conference club

UPDATE: Latendresse will speak exclusively with San Jose tomorrow. A 1 year contract may be imminent...Receiving calls from the KHL. Seeking a 1 year deal in excess of 6M. Potential Phase 2 target.

Lessio had success with Belleville, Borelli is able to snag him back with promise to make the next leap and play 3rd line minutes with the Sens

Passes up a bit more money and term elsewhere. Has given a verbal commitment to the Montreal Canadiens, the cup champ returns home. Terms to be disclosed on Thursday following a physical.

UPDATE: Biggs has reached an agreement. Details to follow at 8pm ET...Weighing two offers, one Eastern Conference, Atlantic Division team is rumored to be in the lead.

Vegas, Philadelphia, and Seattle are all rumored to be in play. Unclear if there's a fourth team at this point.

LAK - 3 years at 9.5M AAV (10.5, 9,5 8,5) + 2 year NTC

As reported, the McDonagh camp is turning away any offers south of 9M AAV. More than three teams are offering 10M+ ...

BUF - 7 years at 7.5M per (NTC)

UPDATE: As reported via Slack, Buffalo gets the deal done...See Slack on Thursday for the latest on the Clark updates. Money and term are both important for what will be his final big contract.

UPDATE: Jersey gets it done for JJ. Devils are ready to compete, and the recent trade of Pietrangelo opens up the spot....Two Eastern Conference teams are in the lead for JJ. Look for a decision on Thursday afternoon.

UPDATE: Penguins made a really good pitch, but the Leafs get the check mark. Good race between the two...reported via Slack, Ersberg has chosen a destination and will sign on Thursday morning, pending physical.

UPDATE: Predators get it done just north of 1.5M as the clear backup and opportunity to revisit the UFA process next offseason...Will negotiate exclusively with Nashville on Friday.

DAL - 2 years at 1.4M per (2-way deal)

TOR - 3 years at 9M AAV (NTC in years 1 and 2)

TOR - 3 years at 9M AAV (NTC in years 1 and 2)

Reportedly holding out into regular season for 3M AAV