It’s time for some more NHL rumours to get you through your work week. We may be in the August heat, but we’ve got plenty of NHL rumours to talk about here at LastWordOnSports. There are a few restricted free agents that are left to be signed. We’re going to go coast-to-coast in this edition of NHL rumours. Today’s edition of our rumour roundup focuses on the New York Rangers and the Anaheim Ducks.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
New York Rangers
Rumour: The Athletic’s Arthur Staple discusses the latest on a new contract for former top overall pick Alexis Lafreniere.
First part of our #NYR mailbag to get us all through a quiet monthhttps://t.co/zRHMfZHGfI
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) August 3, 2023
Analysis: The former top pick of the 2020 NHL Draft has yet to sign a new contract. Lafreniere has yet to live up to the monster hype that’s surrounded him ever since the Blueshirts won the draft lottery. The former Rimouski Oceanic standout has yet to reach the 20-goal mark, but he’s shown moments of promise.
Lafreniere has formed some solid line chemistry with Kaapo Kakko and Filip Chytil as part of the Kid Line. There are moments when his hockey IQ shows up, but they’ve been too few and far between.
There’s hope the new coaching staff with Peter Laviolette will help the younger players take the next step in their careers. Laviolette promised more chances for the youngsters and that may encourage Lafreniere to re-sign sooner rather than later.
New York General Manager Chris Drury will most likely give the former top overall pick a bridge deal. This will likely be a prove-it deal much like Kakko got last off-season. Hopefully, Lafreniere can step up his game up and cash in on his next contract.
Anaheim Ducks
Rumour: Dan Rosen of NHL.com took at look at when RFA Trevor Zegras may re-sign with the Ducks.
Analysis: Zegras is the next player that General Manager Pat Verbeek needs to take care of this off-season. Verbeek gave Troy Terry a monster seven-year deal and that means that Zegras is next. The Bedford, New York native led the Ducks with 23 goals and 65 points in 81 games.
Zegras is one of 14 RFAs that are eligible for an offer sheet. However, those offer sheets are a rarity. The 22-year-old did say that he would hold out of training camp if he did not get a new deal. However, both sides are hopeful that a new contract will be coming soon.
The young player has been working out with Rangers veteran forward Chris Kreider. Anaheim also has a new coach in Greg Cronin and he’s been talking with Zegras about the upcoming season. Zegras is an important part of the Ducks’ future and hopefully, a deal gets done soon.
Main photo by: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
