NHL Rumors: 2 Teams Linked to Free Agent Ondrej Palat

Tampa Bay Lightning great Ondrej Palat has informed the team he's testing the free-agent market. The 31-year-old versatile forward is as clutch as they come and will be one of the most sought after free agents available on Wednesday as the market opens at Noon.

Hearing that Ondrej Palat has decided to test the open market Wednesday. @TSNHockey @TheAthletic

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 13, 2022

Palat finished last season with 49 points in 77 regular season games and another 21 points in 23 Stanley Cup Playoff games, including some very timely goals. He's going to cash in this summer and it's a wise move to hit the open market after the playoff run he just had.

There's two teams to watch here as the Carolina Hurricanes would love to add Palat. Considering they are a playoff-bound team, there could be a fit there. Another team, the Colorado Avalanche who saw Palat up close and personal in the Final and the champs have interest. With Nazem Kadri leaving to the highest bidder, look for the Avs to replace Kadri with someone with experience who can be plugged-and-played into their top-six forwards.

ICYMI: Does David Pagnotta of @TheFourthPeriod
think the #GoBolts still have a chance to re-sign Ondrej Palat? || @RonnieNTL @TKras @ZacOnTheMic pic.twitter.com/kRieSNf1zh

— 95.3 WDAE & AM 620 (@953WDAE) July 12, 2022

If Ondrej Palat stays, we’re happy to have him.

If Ondrej Palat leaves, we’re happy he got the bag he deserves.

No matter what, forever thankful for his time in Tampa. pic.twitter.com/9n1Wr3nCLY

— Andrew Weiss (@WeissHockeyTalk) July 13, 2022

Photo credit:  Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports