NHL Rumors: Adam Fox in no rush on new contract; Jack Eichel trade update; and Cale Makar offer sheet
Anthony Scultore
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Adam Fox joined some impressive company by winning the Norris Trophy in only his second season. Only he and Bobby Orr share that accomplishment and it already has people buzzing about his next contract.
Adam Fox in no rush on next contract
What a tremendous season the 23 year-old from Jericho, LI had. Fox finished second overall in scoring for blue-liners with 47 points. His 42 assists were the most by an NHL defenseman and he was seventh for total ice time.
“It’s definitely special to have my friends and family come see me play,” Fox told presenter Brian Leetch. “It’s definitely a privilege to play for the Rangers have you present me the award.”
There was already talk that the Rangers may engage Adam on an extension this summer. He still has one year remaining on his ELC, and a source with knowledge indicated to me there’s “no rush” to do so. The biggest factor that would prevent them signing an extension this early is likely Cale Makar’s pending next deal.
I will have a much deeper dive on our sister site, Forever Blueshirts later today.
Cale Makar offer sheet?
Makar is a 22 year-old RFA without arbitration rights, which means the Avs are in full control. The popular route is to offer RFA’s a bridge deal in the 2 to 3 year range. If Joe Sakic wants to conserve cap space to retain key UFA’s, bridging Makar at around $4 to $5 million is the way to go. However, according to Elliotte Friedman, it sounds like Sakic is thinking long term on Makar’s next deal.
Then there is the offer sheet threat. Once again, it’s almost like catnip for all hockey writers to bring it up. The latest is Pierre LeBrun who suggests that it’s a possibility because he is the only one “worth the aggravation” to do so.
Based on a conversation he had with an anonymous executive, it would have to be in the $11-$12 million dollar range to make it worthwhile. Again, I’m not even sure why we all go to down the rabbit hole.
Latest on Jack Eichel
Darren Dreger was on WGR550 in Buffalo today and the topic of Jack Eichel was inevitably brought up. He addressed the recent report that the Rangers re-engaged with the Sabres to discuss a possible deal.
He stated he was not surprised by the news and added that if the Rangers present the best package the Sabres have to consider it. He also noted that the Blackhawks are really not a match, and believes the Ducks are the most interested team.