Minnesota avoids restricted free agency for Greg Downing & Tyler Hass
The National Lacrosse League has announced that the Minnesota Swarm have avoided restricted free agency for two players by sending qualifying offers to defenseman Greg Downing and transition player Tyler Hass before the July 31 deadline.
With the free agency period set to begin on August 1, the Swarm currently have two restricted free agents, defenseman Mitch Belisle and forward Corbyn Tao, along with one unrestricted free agent in standout defender Jeff Gilbert.
Minnesota, who missed the playoffs in 2014 with a 4-14 record, have made noise this offseason with two trades with the Edmonton Rush. After trading for goaltender Brodie MacDonald in exchange for goalie Tyler Carlson along with swapping first-round picks with the Rush, the Swarm acquired forward Alex Turner from Edmonton for a third-round selection in 2015.
The Swarm will look to continue building through their youth movement with the 2014 NLL Draft taking place at Toronto Rock Athletic Centre on Monday, Sept. 22.
