Tomas Tatar on Why He's Still a Free Agent and Why That's About to Change

With NHL training camps set to open in about a month, there are still some notable and intriguing names left on the free agent list. One of the biggest is Tomas Tatar, who spent the last two years with the New Jersey Devils. Many expected he's have a new deal in place by now. In a new interview, Tatar explained why he's still without one.

"I wanted at least two years again. Even if something didn't work out the first year, it could then start to get better in the second year, just like it did with the Devils."

Tatar explained he now realizes salary cap constraints likely won't allow him to sign a multi-year deal, and he's come to terms with that.

"That's why I'm trying to be very careful and today it's headed for a one-year contract because of the salary cap space."

With that in mind, Tatar said he's been in discussions with a few teams the last couple of days and he expects an announcement soon.

"The last two days things have really moved after standing still for a while. I've been communicating directly with the coaches of the teams I could go to, what my role would be on the team. But I don't want to make any promises on when that will be finally resolved.

The salary cap situation isn't easy, I'm sorry I'm the one who got the ax. I won't moan about it though. I may have to wait longer for some teams because of the changes they will have to make to make room for me. But I'm already pushing for it to be as soon as possible."

Tatar had a turnaround year in 2022-23, scoring 20 goals and 48 points after sputtering somewhat the season before. The 32-year-old has scored 20+ goals in a season six times in his career.

Previously on Bladeofsteel

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Major Canadian League Officially Bans Fighting for Upcoming Season

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10 AOUT \| 126 ANSWERS Tomas Tatar on Why He's Still a Free Agent and Why That's About to Change How much to you think Tatar gets a one-year deal?
$1 to $2 million	46	36.5 %
$2 to $3 million	53	42.1 %
$3 to $4 million	20	15.9 %
$4 million+	7	5.6 %
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