NHL Rumors: Hampus Lindholm contract talks breakdown, plus Claude Giroux to Panthers?
Anthony Scultore
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It’s time to start getting copious amounts of coffee or your favorite energy drink ready as the NHL Rumors are about to start pumping out even faster.
In this latest edition, Hampus Lindholm contract talks have broken down and he’s now going to be held out of the lineup in anticipation of a trade. Plus Claude Giroux took his final lap on Flyers’ ice wearing the Orange and Black as he will be held out until a trade is done.
NHL Rumors: Hampus Lindholm on the move
The sticking point between the Ducks and Lindholm is not over money but years on his next contract. Anaheim apparently is refusing to go beyond five years on the contract which has both parties looking to part ways.
Lindholm will be held out of the lineup as a result.
According to multiple reports, the Ducks are seeking almost exactly what the Canadiens received for Ben Chiarot (a 1st, 3rd, and a prospect.) That’s a steep price but will someone pay it. The Florida Panthers have proven to be the most “all-in” team thus far, but will the St. Louis Blues, who did not want to trade their first-round pick for Chiarot feel different about Lindholm? That remains to be seen.
In the meantime, Hampus Lindholm, I’m told by a source close to him that there has been no progress in talks on an extension. He could be a fit both in a place like Boston or a place like St. Louis. It would be high-priced to get Hampus Lindholm out of Anaheim.
Pierre LeBrun, TSN
Lindholm, 28, is a pending UFA who makes $5.2M against the cap. This season he has recorded 22 points in 61 games.
NHL Rumors: Claude Giroux on his way to the Panthers?
Claude Giroux played his 1000th and likely final game as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.
“During the game I was trying to keep it together…tonight was pretty awesome,” Giroux said. “The fans, the organization, and my teammates have been so good to me for so many years.”
Multiple reports indicate that Giroux is not with the team as they take to the road and he will be held out of the lineup until a trade is completed.
“As of Friday morning, I think things will start to escalate. Again, the two teams that continue to show interest – the Florida Panthers and the Colorado Avalanche – is there a third mystery team? I cannot pinpoint one,” LeBrun said. “The Florida Panthers, I would categorize them as all in on Claude Giroux. In fact, my understanding is there was another conversation between the Panthers and Flyers on Thursday before that game, so we’ll see where this goes. Owen Tippett could be part of an offer for the Florida Panthers going the other way to Philadelphia, but I think the Avalanche are going to put their best foot forward as well.”
The third team that is being discussed might actually be one that can help the Panthers with two key needs. First, a 1st-round pick which they gave away to land Chiarot, and second additional cap retention on Giroux’s $8.275M cap hit.
I suggested the New York Rangers as a potential third wheel due to their ample cap space and the fact that they took Frank Vatrano off Flordia’s hands right before they landed Chiarot.
