ST PAUL, MN – APRIL 20: (L-R) Jason Demers #4, goalie Antti Niemi #31 and Kris Russell #2 of the Dallas Stars celebrate a win against the Minnesota Wild of Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 20, 2016 at Xcel Energy Center in St Paul, Minnesota. The Stars defeated the Wild 3-2. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Kris Russell waiting on teams to clear cap space before signing a new contract

One of the most coveted defenseman on the free agent market is still waiting for a new contract.

According to Darren Dreger of TSN.ca, former Dallas Stars defenseman Kris Russell is now waiting on teams to clear cap room to sign him.

It’s amazing Russell still isn’t signed when factoring in the massive amount of hype and interest in him at the start of free agency. On July 1, Russell appeared destined to land a huge contract which would overpay the 29-year-old handsomely for the next four to five seasons. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers were all reportedly interested. A contract never materialized. Instead, Russell now is banking on a team to clear cap room. It’s a complete 180.

The rearguard was one of the most overrated free agents in this year’s market. In 2015-16, he scored 19 points in 62 games. A fine offensive defenseman, Russell was among the worst possession defenders in the league, posting a putrid 45.3 Corsi For. Still, in a sheltered role with fewer defensive zone starts, Russell could be a solid offensive defenseman.

Russell will eventually get signed, but at this point, it would be shocking to see him sign a long-term deal worth $5 million plus annually. The market has died down and teams have an idea how their roster will shape up entering 2016-17. Russell might be best to take a one-year flier in hopes of re-establishing some value, with the intent of scoring a long-term contract next free agency. The ship has sailed – for now – on his long-term value.

About Liam McGuire

Social +Staff writer for The Comeback & Awful Announcing. Liammcguirejournalism@gmail.com

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