Below are some of the latest trade rumors coming out of various sources. some of the news features Kyle Palmieri, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Erik Haula in today’s NHL rumor mill.
Kyle Palmieri’s demands on his next contract
According to NHL Insider from the The Athletic Pierre LeBrun the New jersey Devils have been quiet on putting forward Kyle Palmieri on the market. Palmieri has one year left on his contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent. According to Palmieri’s agent, he has stated only preliminary discussions took place for a new deal
It is believed that Palmieri is looking for a contract extension from the Devils. LeBrun noted in his post that Palmieri could be looking for a contract similar to the one recently by Montreal Canadiens Brendan Gallagher of 6 years with an AAV of 6.5 million. Palmieri is currently on a four-year deal at cap hit of 4.65 million a year.
It is strongly believed that if the New Jersey Devils can’t get Palmieri to a new deal based on his demands, he may dealt by the next trading deadline as a rental player.
Corey Masisak, who covers the Devils for The Athletic believes Palmieri may be looking for a deal similar to the deal to Philadelphia Flyers’ James van Riemsdyk. JVR inked a five-year deal with an AAV of $35 million dollars, last March. This was before COVID-19 appeared. Teams are not as rich now and this will affect how much UFA or future UFA’s will get.
As an example, Masisak mentioned recent deals signed by Evgenii Dadonov with the Ottawa Senators at three years worth $15 million dollars and also the conservative 4-year deal signed by Tyler Toffoli in Montreal worth $17 million dollars.
Palmieri has been a consistent offensive threat for the Devils last four years. Last year Palmieri scored 25 goals and 45 points in 65 games played on a very ordinary New Jersey team. He was drafted 26th overall in 2009 by the Anaheim in 2009.
Haula’s possible landing place
As mentioned yesterday many unrestricted free agents are still available and unsigned. Erik Haula is one of those players. Pierre Lebrun from The Athl
etic reported that Haula’s agent, Jay Grossman has spoken to 10-12 teams who may have a legitimate interest in signing the centreman. He is just coming off a three-year deal with a 2.75 million AAV. The injury prone forward is looking for a raise but the current market is not favorable to his demands. Grossman reassured the teams his client fully healthy and ready to play.
The insider mentioned in his article that Haula will have to be patient and wait some more. if some of those 10-12 teams they spoke to, are very interested, one or two teams may be tempted to trade a player or two to free up cap space. As an example, Lebrun cited the Vegas Golden Knights as a possible suitor, if they can create some cap space.
Nugent-Hopkins and the Oilers looking for an extension deal
In the Edmonton Journal, it was reported by Kurt Leavins that the Oilers and forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have a mutual interest in obtaining a contract extension done. Leavins mentioned there were a lot of indications the two parties might initiate talks for an extension. The Oilers have the cap space to ink a core player like Nugent-Hopkins which will make the negotiations smooth even if the salary cap remains the same for 2021-2022.
Leavins reported the Oilers should pursue former Detroit Red Wings defenceman Madison Bowey. the Oilers require a veteran defenceman on the right side of their blue line and Bowey could be a valuable addition for the right price while. if they were to get Bowey, re-signing Ethan Bear would work out by placing Oscar Klefbom on long-term injury reserve.
