Training camps around the NHL can open tomorrow — Sept. 18 — which means we’re getting more and more news popping from around the league. There are still a surprising number of players who need new contracts, and some teams might be in the trade market sooner than later to make room for new deals.
Let’s take a quick lap around the league with some notes on contract situations, the Florida Panthers’ new lease deal and Toronto having a new sponsor for their helmets this season.
NHL Contract Updates
- The Red Wings signed Lucas Raymond to an eight-year extension on Monday. It’s interesting that there are no signing bonuses included, and he got the StanBo special (no-trade clause).
- Buffalo signed forward Peyton Krebs, 23, to a two-year extension with a $1.45M cap hit.
- The Fourth Period‘s David Pagnotta reports the Dallas Stars and defenseman Thomas Harley, 23, are working towards a shorter-term deal still. It’s noteworthy that Pagnotta indicates Dallas does not have enough cap space for the deal at the moment; Dallas is showing roughly $6.243M in available cap space.
- Pagnotta also reports the Jets and RFA forward Cole Perfetti are still working on a new deal. Pagnotta tweeted on Tuesday morning that short-term is likely but Perfetti would be open to a long-term deal if they can find the right money.
- Pagnotta also reports the New Jersey Devils and forward Dawson Mercer are working on a two- or three-year deal. According to the report, Mercer wants over $4M per while the Devils are more comfortable in the $3.5-$3.75M range.
- The New York Rangers have less than $625,000 in available cap space (per PuckPedia) but they need to figure something out with Igor Shesterkin and Alexis Lafrenière. GM Chris Drury said on Tuesday that they’re going to everything they can to keep both of them around “for a long time.” Both is one season away from free agency. Shesterkin is the priority because he’ll be an unrestricted free agent next summer, however. This is why Jacob Trouba and others have been floated in trade rumors all summer.
- Here’s a Western Conference situation to watch: Arty Kaliyev wants out of LA. He’s been a change-of-scenery candidate for more than a year already. He’s reportedly going to sign a one-year deal and still look to move.
Panthers Staying Put
No, not the NFL team making a quarterback change. The defending Stanley Cup champions and the Broward County Board of Commissioners have agreed on a lease extension that could keep the Panthers in Sunrise through 2043.
Leafs’ Buckets Get a Sponsor
Toronto will have a logo on their helmets this season. And it’s going to be that of Oreo. I love Oreos, but the fans are already sounding off on social media about the black logo on the white and blue of the Leafs. I do like their creative way of announcing it.