NHL: Elias Pettersson and Canucks working on new contract, and Johnny Gaudreau open to extension with Flames
Anthony Scultore
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Elias Pettersson and the Vancouver Canucks are working on new contract. Two key Flames also provided updates on their future as both teams wrapped up their regular seasons yesterday.
Elias Pettersson and Canucks working on new contract
“This is where I want to play,” Pettersson told the press. “Agents are working on it to make sure both parties are happy. I’m not stressed to sign a contract. I am actually excited to get that signed and look forward to the future.”
The Vancouver Canucks will need to re-sign Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes this summer. According to GM Jim Benning he sees no cap issues this summer, but that means he will need to make room before locking up his two prized young players.
When it comes to making cap space trading Nate Schmidt is the most likely option. He is a 29 year-old defenseman with four years remaining at $5.95 million AAV. He will be harder to move in this economy, but I could see the Flyers blowing up their blue-line and trading for him.
Johnny Gaudreau open to staying in Calgary
There’s always a trade buzz around the rumor mill concerning Johnny Gaudreau. A move to the Philadelphia Flyers seems like an inevitable conclusion. However, during his exit interview Johnny Hockey said, “if [GM Brad Treliving] and the owners are happy with the way I’ve played the last 6, 7 years, its something we can figure out.”
Gaudreau wanted it well known how he feels about Calgary too. “I love the city,” he explained. “I don’t think I’ve ever once said I don’t want to be here.”
Mark Giordano knows he may be exposed to Seattle
Frank Seravalli recently took a look at all the Canadian teams with regards to the expansion draft. He noted that Milan Lucic waived his no-move clause for the expansion draft as a condition of his trade. That allows Calgary to expose him.
Another big name that the Flames will be forced to expose is their captain Mark Giordano. With the need to protect younger defenseman like Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Rasmus Andersson, exposing the 37 year-old rearguard is a no brainier.
This was not lost on Giordano. “I have a pretty good relationship with [Treliving] where we’ll talk about it over the next little bit,” he noted. “There are certain situations you have to be an adult about it. There’s a lot of things to talk about.”