Overview
- Multiple outlets cited Donnie & Dhali host Rick Dhaliwal in reporting on Monday that Teddy Blueger and Derek Forbort will hit unrestricted free agency on July 1 rather than being re-signed beforehand.
- Blueger is a 31-year-old two-way centre who played 35 games in 2025–26 and posted nine goals and 17 points while carrying a recent two-year deal at about $1.8 million AAV.
- Forbort is a 34-year-old defenseman who missed all but two games in 2025–26 with a hip injury but is valued for his penalty-killing and veteran steadiness when healthy.
- Coverage frames Blueger as an attractive, low-cost depth option for cap-rich teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, though interest from other clubs is expected and any offers remain unconfirmed.
- Allowing the two veterans to test the market follows an unsuccessful trade attempt at the deadline and clears roster and salary room that could accelerate opportunities for younger players like Aatu Räty.