NHL Rumors: The Latest Buzz Surrounding Tim Thomas and Others Around the League

Hockey season is quickly approaching, and Tim Thomas is one of a few NHL players who may decide their future soon.

There is no clear destination for most free agents right now. Players and teams are looking for the best fit and the right price. 

Free agents will be forced to sign with a team soon if they want to play the entire season, so look for more movement as August goes on.

While all eyes are on free agency, teams could still make some trades.

Let's take a look at who joins Thomas on the list of players who have made headlines recently.

Tim Thomas, G

The most notable player on this list is Thomas. The 2011 Conn Smythe winner took last season off and is ready to return to the league.

However, the Toronto Sun suggested that there may not be many suitors out there for the goaltender. The Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Islanders are both seen as potential candidates, but have other plans. 

The Florida Panthers may be the most likely destination if Thomas were to sign soon. Jacob Markstrom is back with the team, but Thomas could still help. 

Taking a season off makes him a tough sell to potential suitors, and it's even tougher given that the 39-year-old is nearing the end of his career.

After winning the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011, Thomas was seen as one of the best goalies in the league. He went 35-11-6 with a 2.00 goals against average and .938 save percentage. His numbers only got better in the postseason.

Those days are long gone, and now Thomas must find some team willing to sign him. He may have to wait until training camp for someone to get desperate.

Alex Pietrangelo, D

The St. Louis Blues want to re-sign Alex Pietrangelo, but there has not been any progress in talks between the player and the team.

Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the team has not been able to get Pietrangelo to sign an extension. Both sides would like to get a deal done, according to the report, but the restricted free agent has yet to sign.

While a deal is the most likely outcome, a holdout is possible. Training camp opens in September, so things need to pick up soon to get Pietrangelo back on the ice.

Pietrangelo is an important part of the team. The 23-year-old has shown promising signs and has done well for the Blues the past few seasons. 

The former No. 4 overall pick will cash in eventually, but there has not been any progress in contract talks recently.

John-Michael Liles, D

Free agency usually makes the headlines this time of the year, but the Toronto Maple Leafs are exploring a trade.

Brian Stubits of CBSSports.com reports that the team is interested in moving John-Michael Liles.

The Leafs want to get rid of his contract and are looking around the league to see if anyone is interested. They didn't buy out his contract and now must wait and see if another team will take him.

Liles has never been a superstar, but he can still play. Teams can never have too many defensemen, and he would be a good addition to any roster.

Toronto is looking to shed salary, so keep an eye on the Maple Leafs to see if they move any players, such as Liles. 

*All stats are courtesy of NHL.com