In at the moment’s NHL rumors rundown, one insider near the Edmonton Oilers says Leon Draisaitl’s agent has confirmed that the ahead is trying to signal a long-term deal. In the meantime, earlier than signing with the Carolina Hurricanes, there have been commerce provides on the desk for Martin Necas from each the Buffalo Sabres and Winnipeg Jets. Is Aaron Ekblad a attainable commerce possibility out of Florida? Lastly, how good a deal did the Montreal Canadiens get on the Arber Xhekaj extension?
Leon Draisaitl Needs an 8-Yr Deal
Monday afternoon, Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now and the Edmonton Oilers radio broadcast groups stated he talked with Mike Liut from Octagon, the company representing Leon Draisaitl. He indicated that in these conversations, Liut, Andy Scott, and Draisaitl need to finalize an eight-year deal. The assumption is that the contract will fall between $13 and $13.5 million per season.
At a minimal, it could possibly be a seven-year extension, however each side will probably go eight to cap the annual cap hit down. Stauffer drew parallels with the contracts of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, who apparently each signed their eight-year, $10.5 million offers with then-GM Stan Bowman in Chicago.
Bowman stated in his introductory media scrum, “Beginning with Leon, I imply, Leon’s a star participant and he’s prime precedence for me. I imply, I need to, I need Leon to be an Oiler for all times.” If he’s taking a look at an eight-year deal, it will practically take Draisaitl to the tip of his NHL profession.
Sabres and Jets Made Vital Commerce Pitches for Martin Necas
Martin Necas is staying with the Carolina Hurricanes, after signing a two-year extension price $13 million. Earlier than the brand new deal, it has emerged that the Hurricanes have been near buying and selling Necas twice this offseason. In line with Frank Seravalli, reporting on The Each day Faceoff Podcast, the Winnipeg Jets and Buffalo Sabres each made critical makes an attempt to amass the 25-year-old ahead.
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The Jets reportedly provided a package deal together with promising prospects Rutger McGroarty, Cole Perfetti, and a draft decide. McGroarty, at the moment enjoying within the NCAA, has been in search of a transfer elsewhere, whereas Perfetti, a 22-year-old with 140 NHL video games and 38 factors this season, has confronted inconsistent enjoying time in Winnipeg. Regardless of the engaging provide, the commerce fell by way of, doubtlessly because of Necas’s reluctance to signal an extension with the Jets.
Equally, the Sabres had a commerce settlement with Carolina that additionally collapsed. Seravalli famous that Necas’s refusal to signal with Buffalo finally killed the deal. Together with his new contract, Necas will change into a UFA in two years, giving him the prospect to discover free company. He could possibly be in line for a large increase if he performs nicely in Carolina.
Is Aaron Ekblad on the Sizzling Seat in Florida?
Coming into the ultimate season of his contract with a $7.5 million AAV, defenseman Aaron Ekblad could possibly be on the transfer if GM Invoice Zito decides to be proactive earlier than the commerce deadline. Adam Proteau of The Hockey Information argues that regardless of being hampered by accidents since 2018-19, the 28-year-old right-shot defenseman nonetheless holds appreciable commerce worth. Zito, identified for making daring strikes, would possibly take into account buying and selling Ekblad.
This isn’t the primary time Ekblad has been talked about in commerce rumors since early June. Nonetheless, now that the Panthers are with out Brandon Montour and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, it’s exhausting to think about a state of affairs the place the Panthers commerce Ekblad with out figuring out they’ve one other defenseman or two coming in. To not point out, despite the fact that Ekblad’s full no-movement clause transformed to a 12-team no-trade checklist on July 1, he’s nonetheless going to be powerful to commerce contemplating his wage.
Canadiens Signal Arber Xhekaj to 2-Yr Extension
The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenseman Arber Xhekaj to a two-year, $2.6 million contract extension, averaging $1.3 million yearly. This deal is very favorable for the Canadiens. Xhekaj, identified for his bodily play and sneaky puck abilities, excels in making transition performs at excessive charges. Regardless of taking minor penalties steadily, his general contributions make him a helpful depth defenseman. There was a time when Xhekaj was contemplating an up-and-coming star defenseman. His profession obtained barely derailed, however he’s again on the upswing.
Final season, Xhekaj performed 44 video games, successfully filling a job on the third pairing. His efficiency and potential development make the $1.3 million AAV a cut price for the Canadiens, guaranteeing they keep a promising participant at an inexpensive price.