NHL Rumors: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins staying put, Rangers inquiring on Jack Eichel, and free agent news
Anthony Scultore
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According to multiple reports, the Edmonton Oilers and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are set to announce an 8 year deal with $41 million. The deal also comes with a no-move clause.
Oilers and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins come to terms
Late last month, Elliotte Friedman appeared on Sportsnet 960 radio in Calgary and said that things have gone sideways between the two parties. “Something happened here. I believe it was always the plan that Nugent-Hopkins was going to stay and they wanted to keep him,” he said. “I think anyone who is familiar with this situation will tell you they thought it was going to happen and it got mangled. And now I don’t know.”
Apparently the two sides worked diligently to get something done since the interest to remain was not only mutual but very strong. “I think I’ve said it from the start, I love being an Oiler, I always have,” Nugent-Hopkins said after the Oilers lost in the playoffs. “My goal is always to stay an Oiler… I think I’ve said it from Day 1, I love being an Oiler and it’s something that I’ve taken a lot of pride in the last 10 years.”
What strikes me most is that RNH will be making less AAV on this new deal than he made on the last. Which brings me back to a rumor that the Oilers are also going to take a run at bringing back Taylor Hall.
Rangers talking to the Sabres about Jack Eichel…again
The Rangers have not only been linked to Jack Eichel the longest, but they are the only known team to have made an offer last offseason. A report at Forever Blueshirts indicated their interest cooled, but according to Larry Brooks, there’s been a level of re-engagement between the two teams recently.
The Rangers have displayed increased interest in scoping out Jack Eichel’s medical condition and have had preliminary talks with the Sabres regarding his availability, The Post has been told by several sources – but it is unclear whether general manager Chris Drury is simply performing due diligence or is seriously interested in dealing for the Sabres’ disenchanted center.
Larry Brooks, NY Post
For the record, a number of teams are doing “due diligence.” We’ve been following the Jack Eichel rumors very closely and on June 10th, Elliotte Friedman told WGR550 he thought several teams were interested. “I will tell you I’ve had teams reach out to me about my article on his injury and if there’s anything I know that I didn’t put in there,” he said. “So there are teams out there doing their due diligence.”
Are the Rangers in? My question is were they every really out? But after learning that the Kings and Blue Jackets were rumored in but then reported out, is anyone else really in? One thing seems certain, all the top insiders believe he will be traded by the draft.
Free Agent News
Another name can be taken off the board as Wayne Simmonds has re-signed with the Maple Leafs. The deal is for two years at $900,000 AAV.
Also, Jordan Martinook appears to be heading to the market on July 28th.
Looks like there will be some churn among Carolina’s depth forwards. Jordan Martinook wants to see if he can beat the Hurricanes’ offer on the open market, and there are Warren Foegele trade talks. Both player and team appear to want a change.
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