NHL Rumors: Mathew Barzal bridge deal update, NHLPA wants ads on jerseys, and more
Anthony Scultore
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The biggest restricted free agent is still unsigned. New York Islanders star forward Mathew Barzal is waiting on Lou Lamoriello to clear space in order to sign him.
NHL Rumors: Latest on Mathew Barzal bridge deal
Andrew Gross who covers the Islanders for Newsday recently noted that the expectation will be a bridge deal. There were thoughts the Islanders would look to lock him Barzal up for 7 or 8 years, but those rumors have died down.
As far as what the bridge deal will look like, it appears to be a 2-3 year contract at around $7 million. Of course, the Islanders need to clear cap space and continue to have difficulty doing so.
Teams can exceed the cap ceiling by 10% during the offseason, but Lamoriello needs some additional financial cushion. Placing left wing Andrew Ladd on long-term injured reserve is a possibility. Ladd, whoplayed only four games for the Islanders last season after injuring both knees in 2018-19, has three seasons with a $5.5 million cap hit remaining on his deal. Sending Ladd, Leo Komarov or defenseman Thomas Hickey to Bridgeport would save $1.075 million against each veteran’s cap hit.
Newsday
RELATED: Mathew Barzal offer sheet? Not with Lamoriello around
NHL Rumors: Ads on jerseys? The players want more revenue
Noise is growing from within the latest talks between the NHL and NHLPA to find ways to generate more revenue. The players have pitched the idea several times to start selling ads on jerseys.
Elliotte Friedman on a recent podcast stated that the players want this but Gary Bettman hates the idea. He also doesn’t see a team like the New York Rangers or Chicago Blackhawks willing to place ads on their sweaters.
Keep your eye on this one because it continues to be discussed.
There is some rumbling that the NHL may follow the lead of European leagues and start placing ads on sweaters. As a hockey purist, I absolutely detest the idea. But I didn’t like board advertising either and that ship has long since sailed. Besides, the league has little choice but to be less picky about where revenues come from.
Edmonton Journal
Buffalo Sabres may trade Rasmus Ristolainen
James O’Brien at NBC Sports, pondered if this will be the season where the Sabres finally trade Rasmus Ristolainen.
If things go south, could the Sabres finally trade Rasmus Ristolainen? Adams might not feel quite as chained to the oft-criticized defenseman as previous Sabres executives seemed to be. With two years left at a $5.4M AAV, an opposing GM might be more comfortable gambling on the big blueliner, too.
NBC Sports