Usually at this time of the summer, general managers have the "gone fishing" sign posted.
But this has been a strange offseason because we are headed toward Aug. 1 and many GMs are still trolling for players or dealing with matters that will affect their team's competitiveness.
Here are eight unresolved issues that could change the balance of power:
1. Shane Doan's recruitment: Doan, 35, has made it clear he would prefer to stay in Phoenix, provided he can be convinced Greg Jamison's attempt to buy the Coyotes is on solid ground. But there's enough interest in Doan that it seems plausible some team will offer him a four-year deal with a big number attached. Imagine how Doan could freshen up the Detroit Red Wings' lineup, or the Pittsburgh Penguins', Nashville Predators' or Philadelphia Flyers', etc.
2. Roberto Luongo hasn't been traded: The Florida Panthers are the best fit for the Vancouver Canucks goalie, but GM Dale Tallon won't give up prized prospect Nick Bjugstad to land him. The Panthers are as excited about his potential as they are about Jonathan Huberdeau. Bjugstad is playing at the University of Minnesota and seems ready to play in the NHL. Luongo was popular when he played in Florida before, plus he could be the lift the team needs to offset big moves by the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning. Canucks GM Mike Gillis is acting as if he is willing to go into the season with Luongo on his roster. But that would clearly be an uncomfortable situation with Cory Schneider seemingly set to be No. 1. Plus, no GM wants a $5.333 million cap hit as his backup goalie. Keep in mind that the Toronto Maple Leafs still are interested in upgrading their goaltending.
3. Bobby Ryan still could be traded: The Anaheim Ducks would deal him only if they are wowed by an offer. But that could happen. The Flyers presumably would like to answer the Rangers' acquisition of Rick Nash. Ryan has averaged 33 goals a season for the past four seasons and he's 25. He could score another 300-plus goals before he retires.
4. Lubomir Visnovsky has filed a grievance: The defenseman believes the Ducks didn't have the right to trade him to the New York Islanders. He had a partial no-trade clause, which he waived in 2009 so he could be moved from the Edmonton Oilers to Anaheim. An arbitrator will have to decide whether Visnovsky had permanently surrendered his no-trade when he agreed to the 2009 deal. He would be a nice fit for an Islanders team that needs to make the playoffs. Plus, the Islanders need his $5.6 million cap hit to help them get to the salary cap floor.
5. Useful players still available: In addition to Doan, several intriguing free agents remain, including Jason Arnott, Carlo Colaiacovo, Pavel Kubina, Petr Sykora, Brett Clark, Andrei Kostitsyn, etc.
6. Coyotes ownership isn't finalized: In addition to holding up Doan's decision, the situation is making it difficult for general manager Don Maloney to know what to do improve his team. If the deal is finalized, he could be/should be in a better financial situation to make moves.
7. The 2013 free agent class might feel pressure to sign now: Nobody knows what the new collective bargaining agreement will look like. Will there be restrictions on contract lengths? Will there be a new way to calculate a salary cap hit? There could be changes that prevent athletes from landing the kind of deal that Shea Weber and Sidney Crosby received this summer. If you are Anaheim's Corey Perry, you have to think about this.
8. Predators still looking for defenseman: Although Nashville coach Barry Trotz likes the potential of Roman Josi to eventually fill Ryan Suter's skates, GM David Poile is pondering his options in the trade market. Because the Flames seem open to change, Jay Bouwmeester's name has popped up as a possibility for Nashville. But he has a no-trade clause, and he seemed intent on playing in Calgary the last time he controlled his future. Would Bouwmeester change his address to play for a better team? The Predators won't know unless they ask. They have the assets to offer the Flames an attractive package.
9. Red Wings pondering a defensive move: The Red Wings have decided they want to give Brendan Smith and Jakub Kindl a chance to play, and they have decided they won't overpay just to add a body. But the Red Wings have been too competitive for too long for them not to look at their trade options to add a veteran defenseman.
10. Feels like Toronto will make another move: GM Brian Burke is always aggressive, and the James van Riemsdyk deal might not be enough. It seems like Burke could end up with another goalie or more size and grit.
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