NHL Rumors: Ovechkin extension, Oilers goalie search, and more
Anthony Scultore
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There are reports coming out from Russia over the weekend regarding Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. We also take a look at the Edmonton Oilers goalie search and more in today’s NHL rumors.
NHL Rumors – Ovechkin’s big extension
When it comes to The Great 8, give this Russian goal scoring machine whatever he wants. Reports out of Russia indicate the Capitals have offered Alexander Ovechkin a deal around $10 million per season for the next 3-5 years.
While this is making its rounds in Russian media outlets, I have often been made wary of relying on these sources. The bottom line is that an extension will get done, but it just may not be this one.
Ovi will be a UFA in 2021. He will never get there. Expect both sides to resume negotiations after the Stanley Cup playoffs complete.
NHL Rumors – Could Darcy Kuemper be the answer for the Oilers
According to the Edmonton Journal, goaltending will the Oilers top priority this offseason. We have already heard that Matt Murray doesn’t appear to be a fit, so if Ken Holland wants to go the trade route would Arizona’s Darcy Kuemper be a fit?
Expect the Oilers main focus this off-season will be not be on Defence or a better 3C but rather on goaltending. Darcy Kuemper is also available out of Arizona. He is not overly expensive for the quality you would get. Kuemper comes with the same cap hit as Mikko Koskinen ($4.5m for 2 more years), although with no NMC (which Koskinen does have). The Saskatoon-born Kuemper has had a couple of terrific back-to-back seasons for the Coyotes. But he does not have a pedigree nor a long resume as a stone-cold-lock #1 NHL goaltender.
Kurt Leavins
There was some suggestions about going after Marc-Andre Fleury as well. It will be an interesting time for the Oilers, but it sure sounds like they will be in the market for a goalie. Whether that’s via trade or free agency remains to be seen.
NHL Rumors – Could Pietrangelo actually hit the market?
Some news coming today out of the Athletic regarding UFA, Alex Pietrangelo. “It’s been a little disappointing that we haven’t been able to get a deal done, obviously,” Pietrangelo told Pierre LeBrun. “But this is the situation that we’re in, we’re over three weeks away from Oct. 9 and there hasn’t been much in terms of progress.”
Could he hit the market? I am sure the Leafs are hoping so, but I still don’t see it. At least not yet.