NHL Rumors: Brett Pesce, Elias Lindholm, and Alexis Lafreniere
Anthony Scultore
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Today’s NHL Rumors follows up on the latest regarding Brett Pesce, Elias Lindholm, and Alexis Lafreniere.
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NHL Rumors: Brett Pesce
The Carolina Hurricanes remain in the conversation to land superstar defenseman Erik Karlsson in a trade from the San Jose Sharks. However, they also need to make a decision on one of their own blue-liners.
Pesce, 28, notched 5 goals and 25 assists for 30 points in 82 games last season. Selected by the Canes in the third-round of the 2013 Draft, he’s been a consistent performer for the organization.
Per CapFriendly, the defender is entering the final year of his contract with an AAV of $4.025M and a modified no-trade clause. Pesce can provide Carolina with a list of 15 teams he would like to go to, and if the Sharks aren’t one of them it’ll make it harder to acquire Karlsson.
Carolina can also keep Pesce to start the season, which will lead to a lot of conversation near the trade deadline regarding the pending UFA. Three teams most often linked to him are the Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, and Philadelphia Flyers.
The Athletic suggested that Pesce’s next deal will likely be for max term and an AAV of around $6 million. If the Canes opt to trade him, a first-round pick in 2024 is going to be the starting point.
NHL Rumors: Elias Lindholm
Another pending UFA in 2024 is Calgary Flames forward Elias Lindholm, who new GM Craig Conroy would like to sign to an extension.
“I’ve hear [talks] have been slow,” Elliotte Friedman said on NHL Network. “From what I understand, the Flames have not yet given up hope that they can extend him. Initially I thought the number was going to be around Horvat and Dubois, which was $8.5M, now I think it will have to be higher. Around $8.8M or $9M.”
Lindholm, 28, registered 64 points in 80 contests in 2022-23. It was a disappointing campaign for both himself and the Flames after the Swedish center picked up 82 points the previous season.
Calgary can ill afford to lose another player for nothing after Johnny Gaudreau bolted to the Columbus Blue Jackets in free agency. If Lindholm doesn’t sign an extension, he’s likely on the move at the next trade deadline.
NHL Rumors: Alexis Lafreniere
The New York Rangers appear to have one order of business left to take care of heading into the 2023-24 season and that is to sign restricted free agent forward Alexis Lafreniere.
Trade speculation regarding the 2020 first overall pick dates back to last January after former head coach Gerard Gallant made him a healthy scratch. At that time, the Rangers dismissed rumors he was available and had to do so again this summer.
“I have not talked to one GM about Alexis,” Drury stated via NHL.com. “He’s a real good young player and we think his best days are certainly ahead of him. We’re thrilled he’s a part of our team and hope he’s a Ranger for a long, long time. So, that’s a completely false report.”
Lafreniere, 21, registered 16 goals and 23 assists for 39 points in 81 games last season. Despite remaining unsigned he isn’t worried about getting a deal done.
“Yes, I spoke with Chris [Drury], our general manager,” he told Le Journal de Montreal. “I know the negotiations are going well. I remain confident.”
The most recent chatter is he’s expected to sign a one or two year deal for somewhere in the neighborhood of $2.1 to $2.7 million.
If for any reason the Rangers and Lafreniere can’t come to terms, the Vancouver Canucks are considered the most likely trade partner.