The impending start of training camp means the NHL rumours will be flying. We’ve got another set ready to go for you. Restricted free agents are starting to feel the pressure of the start of camp at the end of the week and teams would like to get them in before they muss any significant time. Today’s second set of NHL rumours focus on the Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes, Ivan Provorov and Charlie McAvoy.
All rumours are taken from the original source and subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Montreal Canadiens
Rumour: Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports said that the Canadiens and Max Domi have started contract talks. Domi signed a two-year bridge deal last summer and the Habs want to keep him in the fold long-term.
Talks for a contract extension to Max Domi are on but Marc Bergevin doesn’t want to say more. @CanadiensMTL
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) September 9, 2019
Lavoie went on to say the Montreal general manager Marc Bergevin is keeping things close to the vest when it comes to term and money. Domi currently makes $3.15 million this season and scored 28 goals last year for the Canadiens.
Analysis: Bergevin getting out in front of a contract extension is a smart move. The bridge deal worked out for both sides as Domi was able to produce while being able to hedge their bet. Domi was inconsistent at times with the Arizona Coyotes, but found his game in Montreal.
The Canadiens have been getting good value with Domi and Jonathan Drouin last season. Montreal does carry the big contracts of Shea Weber and Carey Price, but will have the Dale Weise contract coming off the books and Steve Mason’s buyout finished up. The Canadiens currently have just over $4 million of space left this season.
Carolina Hurricanes
Rumour: Multiple sources are saying that Justin Faulk could be on the move after Carolina signed Jake Gardiner to a four-year deal. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said that the Anaheim Ducks are in the running to land the defenceman, but details have to be ironed out.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1171109553871740928
James Mirtle of The Athletic reported that the 27-year-old has a modified no-trade clause that is holding things up. Ducks Athletic reporter Eric Stephens said Anaheim’s pursuit of Faulk is the latest in the team looking for a high-end blueliner. Stephens reported that Anaheim was in the running for Kevin Shattenkirk but lost out to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Analysis: Carolina would love to get some sort of offensive return or cap space in a deal. The Canes have just over $1.5 million worth of cap space left and trading the American defenceman would give the team some breathing room. Carolina’s defence is loaded now and they can afford to swing a deal.
Anaheim is trying to retool after missing the playoffs and Faulk would help. The Ducks are trying to lock down the righthanded shot who is coming to the end of a six-year, $29 million deal. General manager Bob Murray would like to have the extension in place as soon as possible.
Charlie McAvoy/Ivan Provorov
Rumour: Bob McKenzie of TSN said the Zach Werenski deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets will kickstart negotiations with restricted free agents Charlie McAvoy and Ivan Provorov and their respective clubs. The two defenceman are the biggest named RFA defencemen without deals at the moment.
McKenzie stated that the Werenski contract likely won’t get the ball moving with the deep forward class.
Analysis: Talks had slowed with all the RFAs until the first domino fell. McKenzie added McAvoy would like to stay with the Boston Bruins but wants a 6-8 year deal. The 21-year-old isn’t interested in a bridge deal. Expect Boston general manager Don Sweeney to use the Werenski contract as a template.
As for Provorov and the Philadelphia Flyers, McKenzie also reported that both sides have been talking over the summer. Both sides have been open for contracts of anywhere from three to six years. It doesn’t look like a long-term deal is in the cards. Bridge deals can be risky, but can work out like Domi.
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 23: Max Domi #13 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates a Montreal goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 23, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
