It’s time for another dose of NHL rumours. We start the work week with another run through the latest hockey gossip. Teams are trying to found out how to fit key pieces under the salary cap. We also have the latest in the ongoing saga between the Buffalo Sabres and Jack Eichel. Today’s NHL rumours also look at the Dallas Stars and Ottawa Senators.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Buffalo Sabres
Rumour: Elliotte Friedman reports that the Sabres don’t want to retain any salary in a potential Jack Eichel trade. This was during Saturday’s Hockey Night in Canada “32 Thoughts” segment.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1449546382155698181
Analysis: This is the latest turn in the epic tale between the Sabres and their former captain. Friedman reports that they’re willing to take on bad contracts in order to make a deal, but that’s it. They won’t retain money to make a trade happen and that’s become a stumbling block.
Friedman added that the Colorado Avalanche were interested in Eichel. However, talks stopped dead when Buffalo didn’t want to keep some of the $10 million salary. This is going to make things difficult as the former second overall pick still has another four years on his contract.
Jeff Marek also stated that the Vegas Golden Knights were talking to the Sabres, but aren’t willing to give up Peyton Krebs or Nicolas Hauge as part of a deal. Injuries throughout the organization will hamper Vegas in making any deal.
It’s going to be hard to make a deal and end the Eichel drama unless the Sabres take on some of that big contract. General managers are likely going to wait until Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams and company relent.
Dallas Stars
Rumour: Marek reported in 32 Thoughts that Stars defenceman John Klingberg is looking for a contract of eight years and $62-66 million.
As we just reported on our 32 Thoughts feature on Hockey Night in Canada the John Klingberg camp is looking for a deal in the $62-66 million range over an 8 year term.
— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) October 17, 2021
Analysis: The Stars already paid off one of their cornerstone defenders in Miro Heiskanen over the summer. It’s now Klingberg’s turn with his contract coming up at the end of the season. The Swede is making $4.25 million this season and is looking for a raise. However, the Stars have some roster decisions to make.
General manager Jim Nill has to find a deal for Calder Trophy finalist Jason Robertson, who is a restricted free agent. Both Joe Pavelski and Alexander Radulov are unrestricted free agent forwards. Possible goalie of the future Jake Oettinger is also an RFA for the Stars.
There’s some worry that Klingberg is going to price himself out of town. He is hoping to get a deal similar to what the New Jersey Devils gave to Dougie Hamilton, but there may not be enough money in Dallas to go around. It does help that both parties want to stay together, but the devil is in the dollar signs.
Ottawa Senators
Rumour: Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reports that negotiations with the team and Josh Norris will be starting soon.
Dorion says he spoke to Craig Oster Friday and says he expects to get to talks on Josh Norris "at some point in time." Oster represents Norris. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) October 17, 2021
Analysis: General manager Pierre Dorion spoke to Norris’ agent Craig Oster about talks. This is the same company that represents recently re-signed forward Brady Tkachuk. It’s a good sign that a general manager is taking the publicly acknowledge the start of negotiations. A deal probably gets done that gives him a raise from his entry-level contract of $925,000.
Norris recorded 35 points in 56 games in his first full season with the Senators. He’s already scored and Ottawa looks like it’s back on the path of moving up the standings. Dorion has taken care of some big deals like the Tkachuk deal and nailed down key players like Thomas Chabot.
Ian Mendes of The Athletic looked into the future and didn’t want to nail down a contract number he might get. Mendes said that he’d rather wait to see how Norris does this season before going out on a limb with a number. However, he did say a 10-15 goal season could net Norris a $2.5 million deal. It’s no secret that getting Norris signed is the next big priority for Ottawa.
