It's finally here: 2012 NHL Free Agency.
The floodgates open at 11 a.m. and if last year is any indication, the Dallas Stars could work very quickly. We didn't know what to expect on that day and the Stars signed five free agents in the first few hours alone. That might not happen this year, but don't be surprised if it does.
Defending Big D will be set up at the Dallas Stars offices today, with a direct line of communication with team as free agency goes down. As such, we hope to bring better insight and coverage to free agency than ever before.
So keep it here throughout the day today, refresh as often as possible and join in on the conversation in the comments. We'll have separate posts for every signing that takes place and we'll do our best to keep the discussion threads at the top of the page.
[Update: 10:13 a.m.] Zach Parise is asking for a $12 million signing bonus in the first and second years of his contract. Shane Doan will also wait until July 9th to decide his path in free agency.
[Update: 10:45 a.m.] Jordan Staal signs a 10 year, $60 million contract extension with the Hurricanes.
[11:05 a.m.] Free agency has begun. No signings for the Stars yet.
[11:34 a.m.] David Moss re-signs with the Calgary Flames. Phoenix Coyotes.
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After the jump, some reading material from Defending Big D as you wait for the big day to begin.
2012 NHL Free Agency: How Aggressive Do Dallas Stars Need To Be?
2012 NHL Free Agency: Is Dallas A Desired Location For Free Agents?
Trade Rumors Persist For Dallas Stars' Steve Ott
2012 NHL Free Agency: Identifying Bottom Six Options For The Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars Attacking Off-Season With Decisive Action
2012 NHL Free Agency: What Wingers Are Available For The Dallas Stars?
NHL Free Agency 2012: Defining Jamie Benn's Ideal Role With Dallas Stars
2012 NHL Free Agency: Should The Dallas Stars Target Ryan Suter?
NHL Free Agency 2012: Lame Duck Salary Cap Increase Provides Stars With Big Challenge
2012 NHL Free Agency Profile: Dustin Penner
2012 NHL Free Agency Profile: Filip Kuba
2012 NHL Free Agency Profile: Olli Jokinen
2012 NHL Free Agency Profile: Matt Carle
2012 NHL Free Agency Profile: Ryan Suter
2012 NHL Free Agency: The Unqualified RFA Group
2012 NHL Free Agency Profile: Dennis Wideman