NHL Rumors: Wild contract talks; Duncan Keith initiated trade request; and Blackhawks want Dougie Hamilton
Anthony Scultore
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The latest batch of NHL Rumors takes up to Minnesota for the latest on the Kirill Kaprizov situation. Also it’s been learned that Duncan Keith initiated the trade request out of Chicago. That should also help free up some space to go after Dougie Hamilton.
NHL Rumors: Wild working on Kaprizov and Fiala
Yesterday, GM Bill Guerin locked down center Joel Eriksson Ek to an 8 year deal. He’s still working on a longterm deal with rookie of the year sensation Kirill Kaprizov.
“We’ve never cut off (contract) talks,” Guerin said. “It’s not like we’re talking every day but there’s nothing that’s been cut off or dried up or anything like that. It’s just an ongoing process. Sometimes it takes three days. Sometimes it takes three months. … But we have plans to talk next week. It has not gone cold contrary to what some people have reported. We’ve got an open dialogue going. There’s nothing new to report, but it’s not like things have stopped. We have plans to really get going.”
NHL.com
Kaprizov, 24, led rookies in goals (27), points (51) and power-play goals (eight). His totals in goals, assists (24) and points served as records by a rookie in franchise history.
The discussion continues to revolve around Kaprizov desire to ink a bridge deal versus Minnesota’s desire to go long term. “I think it’s just a matter of finding the fair middle ground and what works best for both sides,” he continued. Guerin also said he’s working on a new deal for Kevin Fiala citing it will depend on what the team can afford to pay.
Fiala, also 24, scored 40 points in 50 games. He is a RFA with arbitration rights coming off his ELC.
Duncan Keith initiated trade request
News has come to light that Duncan Keith is the one who initiated the trade request out of Chicago. “We weren’t looking to move him, but it was initiated by Duncan,” a source told Scott Powers. “He’d like to be closer to his son. He’s getting older, and Duncan didn’t get to see him much last season. We understand that.”
Right now the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly very interested and it appears to be mutual with Keith. A move to Alberta would certainly bring him closer to his family in British Columbia.
Blackhawks hot after Dougie Hamilton
The Blackhawks need to start reshaping their blue-line with Brent Seabrook now retired, and Keith willing to move on.
Two top defensemen are on the trade block in both Seth Jones and Dougie Hamilton. It appears that the Philadelphia Flyers are going to go all out to trade for Jones if you listen to the rumor mill. That leaves the Blackhawks who could free themselves of either all or mist of Keith’s salary in a trade to go after Hamilton.
Hamilton is seeking an $8 million deal and finished the season with 42 points in 55 games. The right handed shot will be sought after, but with the flat-cap still in place, he may not have many teams willing to give him the contract he’s looking for. A possible sign and trade with the Hurricanes is also in the cards, but this one could happen at the opening bell of free agency on July 28th.