NHL Rumors: Ryan Johansen or Matt Duchene available, Svechnikov and DeAngelo working on new deals
Anthony Scultore
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There is so much information coming in these days that it is hard to keep track. Two big named RFA’s are working on new deals with their respective clubs. Over in Nashville, word is out they may move a center. Let’s dive in.
NHL Rumors – Predators could move a center
According to TSN’s Frank Seravalli, the Predators may move one of their four pivots.
With limited free agent centres available, the Predators believed to be exploring opportunities to move any one of theirs who can play it: Ryan Johansen, Matt Duchene, Kyle Turris or Nick Bonino. No Nashville forward has any no-trade protection.
TSN
When you look at the NHL free agent landscape at center, it is really weak. There are teams looking for centermen, like the Winnipeg Jets and the New York Rangers, so dangling these guys make sense. The question is simple, what’s the ask from the Preds? If it is too high, I could see teams balking.
My guess, is that the Predators are enticing teams with Johansen and Duchene to push Turris.
NHL Rumors – Andrei Svechnikov working on a short term deal with Canes
“Our goal is to keep Andrei here for a very long time,” Hurricanes GM Don Waddell told the media. However, due to the current state of the NHL with the flat cap, Waddell admitted it will likely be a bridge deal.
“You do a short-term deal. The ideal is you do a couple-year deal and then set yourself up for an eight-year deal, which then locks the player up for 10 years.”
NHL Rumors – Rangers qualify Tony DeAngelo to retain negotiation rights
The Blueshirts took another step in continuing negotiations with their prized RFA Tony DeAngelo. According to reports this afternoon, they have qualified the 24 year-old right-handed defenseman.
Obviously the longer the term the more the AAV will be because you would be buying unrestricted free agent years. What makes the most sense is to work out a two to three year deal with an AAV at or under $5 million. I reached out to a source to get more information and was told, “we will see how it goes.”
The Rangers held a media call today and GM Jeff Gorton was asked about talks with his free agents. He responded, “let me get back to you on that.” DeAngelo was qualified a few hours later.