The summer is in full swing, but we’ve got plenty of NHL rumours for you. Restricted free agents have taken centre stage while the unrestricted ones are in a holding pattern. Arbitration dates are coming soon and that means teams are scrambling to deal with their RFAs. However, contracts likely get done before the hearings even happen. Today’s NHL rumours deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Edmonton Oilers.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Rumour: Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times took a look at the impasse between the Lightning and RFA forward Tanner Jeannot.
#GoBolts Tanner Jeannot’s arbitration hearing is scheduled for July 24. Negotiations between him and the team can continue until then. Look for the #TBLightning to get a deal done before then.
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) July 10, 2023
Analysis: Encina said the two sides are working on making deal happen before the July 24 hearing date. He said that a deal will most likely happen before the arbitration meeting. Jeannot came to Tampa Bay after a deal with the Nashville Predators that saw the Preds get plenty of draft capital.
The young forward made $800,000 last season, but is looking for a pay raise. Injuries limited the Oxbow, Saskatchewan native to only six goals between Nashville and Tampa Bay. The Lightning have somewhere between $2-4 million based on what happens with long-term injured reserve candidates.
Tampa Bay paid a hefty ransom to get Jeannot at the the trade deadline. Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois has done a good job maintaining the team’s contention window. However, could the jury still be out on Jeannot and can he prove himself this season?
Edmonton Oilers
Rumour: Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal said the asking price for Evan Bouchard may have risen due to other contracts being signed.
Analysis: Bouchard is also an RFA at this time that the Oilers want to bring back. The Oaklville, Ontario native has come into his own the last couple of seasons on the blueline. He’s become an important part of the Oilers’ devastating power play. Bouchard quarterbacks the top group and is incredibly valuable.
However, the recent Bowen Byram contract with the Colorado Avalanche didn’t do Edmonton general manager Ken Holland any favours. Byram recently inked a two-year deal worth $7.7 million and that may have jacked up the rate for Bouchard. The two players have often been used as comparables when discussing salary extensions.
However, Bouchard has been able to stay healthy and been more productive than Byram. The Oilers have over $5.6 million in cap space, but also need to sign Ryan McLeod to a new contract. McLeod is also an RFA and has plenty of promise being a strong option down the middle for the club.
Main photo by: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
