{"id":32050,"date":"2018-06-29T13:00:40","date_gmt":"2018-06-29T17:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=32050"},"modified":"2020-12-21T14:44:52","modified_gmt":"2020-12-21T19:44:52","slug":"nhl-off-season-rumours-drew-doughty-rick-nash-goalie-carousel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2018\/06\/29\/nhl-off-season-rumours-drew-doughty-rick-nash-goalie-carousel\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Off-Season Rumours: Drew Doughty, Rick Nash, Goalie Carousel"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>We\u2019re only a few days away from the start of free agency, so here\u2019s another batch of NHL off-season rumours. It\u2019s getting down to crunch time and teams and players have decisions to make. Today we\u2019ll talk contract extension for <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/doughdr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Drew Doughty<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nashri01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rick Nash<\/a><\/strong> possibly retiring and the goalie carousel.<\/p>\n<h2>Drew Doughty<\/h2>\n<p><em>Rumour:<\/em> Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic and David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period said that<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/kings\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Los Angeles Kings<\/a> general manager <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/blakero01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rob Blake<\/a><\/strong> is in discussions for a contract extension. Blake texted that `We have been in discussions this week but certainly not done yet.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The LA Kings and Drew Doughty are in the process of finalizing an eight-year extension. Expectation right now is the deal, likely making him the highest paid King, will be announced Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TheFourthPeriod\/status\/1012697575684694017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 29, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em>Analysis:<\/em> Doughty is only one season away from becoming an unrestricted free agent. It would make sense for Blake to lock up the Norris Trophy winner before he hits the open market. The rumoured length of the deal is slated to be eight years, so that would make him a King for the rest of his career.<\/p>\n<h2>Rick Nash<\/h2>\n<p><em>Rumour:<\/em> The unrestricted free agent <a href=\"http:\/\/www.espn.com\/nhl\/story\/_\/id\/23936683\/agent-says-rick-nash-unsure-play-next-season\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">may not be in a hurry to sign a new deal.<\/a> Nash\u2019s agent Joe Resnick told ESPN that the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/bruins\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boston Bruins<\/a> forward is taking his time on whether he\u2019ll play again. The forward has a history of concussions and his weighing that medical history.<\/p>\n<p><em>Analysis:<\/em> He must do what\u2019s best for his health, so Nash won\u2019t be signed in the initial rush of free agency. However, he\u2019ll get his fair share of offers that will entice him to return for at least another season. Resnick told the media outlet that his client has already turned down some lucrative offers already.<\/p>\n<p>It was reported that Nash suffered a concussion in March and he sat out six weeks in 2013 when he was with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/rangers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New York Rangers<\/a>. Nash said that he wanted to be upfront about his issues and prepare teams in case they do want to make him an offer. The Brampton, Ontario native could make a return later in the season after he\u2019s had time to recover.<\/p>\n<h2>The Goalie Carousel<\/h2>\n<p><em>Rumour:<\/em> Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic speculated that multiple goalies could play musical chairs this off-season.<strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/huttoca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Carter Hutton<\/a><\/strong> is the likely choice for the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/sabres\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a> while <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/wardca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cam Ward<\/a><\/strong> could be moving to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/blackhawks\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chicago Blackhawks<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Always subject to change between now and Sunday, but at this hour on the goalie carousel, it would appear Carter Hutton is the leading option in Buffalo, Jonathan Bernier likely headed to Detroit and as we said before, Cam Ward likely to Chicago&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PierreVLeBrun\/status\/1012350756546998272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 28, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>LeBrun also said <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bernijo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jonathan Bernier<\/a><\/strong> may head to the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/red-wings\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Detroit Red Wings<\/a>, but Craig Custance of The Athletic added that <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lehnero01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Robin Lehner<\/a><\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/theathletic.com\/412020\/2018\/06\/28\/custance-ufa-updates-on-tavares-hutton-grabner-and-more\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">visited Detroit earlier this week.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Anaylsis: Hutton wants to cash in on his solid season with the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/blues\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> St. Louis Blues<\/a> while Buffalo wants him to mentor <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/u\/ullmali01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Linus Ullmark<\/a><\/strong> for the next couple of seasons. The former <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/predators\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nashville Predators<\/a> backup was a surprise and almost carried St. Louis to the playoffs as <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/allenja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Allen<\/a><\/strong> faltered.<\/p>\n<p>Ward going to Chicago would make sense as <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/crawfco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Corey Crawford<\/a><\/strong> is getting over an injury that took him out for over half of the season. The Blackhawks would have a very capable backup in case Crawford isn\u2019t ready for the start of the season.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/howarja02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jimmy Howard<\/a><\/strong> is likely to be the number one in Hockeytown, but either Bernier or Lehner would be a good insurance policy. Bernier was serviceable with the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/avalanche\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a> when <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/varlasi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Semyon Varlamov<\/a><\/strong> got hurt.<\/p>\n<p>Lehner always seemed to shoulder the blame for a lot of Buffalo\u2019s troubles. The defense didn\u2019t do him any favors, but Lehner did struggle at times during his tenure in Western New York.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo:<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"03GSSxa9SkhB9bjc8PPOQw\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.ca\/detail\/930200120\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'03GSSxa9SkhB9bjc8PPOQw',sig:'JzukI_RkDWWz2_AzuQHmHtMmVWr-LVkxzAieSj5V5M0=',w:'594px',h:'463px',items:'930200120',caption: true ,tld:'ca',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We\u2019re only a few days away from the start of free agency, so here\u2019s another batch of NHL off-season rumours. It\u2019s getting down to crunch time and teams and players have decisions to make. Today we\u2019ll talk contract extension for Drew Doughty, Rick Nash possibly retiring and the goalie carousel. Drew Doughty Rumour: Pierre LeBrun [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":32055,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"1","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24,5,3,27,4,4321],"tags":[90,182,276,136,653,246,36,822,392,323,3476,78,5715,370,1269,39],"class_list":["post-32050","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kings","category-bruins","category-sabres","category-blackhawks","category-redwings","category-rumours","tag-boston-bruins","tag-buffalo-sabres","tag-cam-ward","tag-carolina-hurricanes","tag-carter-hutton","tag-chicago-blackhawks","tag-colorado-avalanche","tag-corey-crawford","tag-drew-doughty","tag-jonathan-bernier","tag-linus-ullmark","tag-los-angeles-kings","tag-nhl-rumors","tag-rick-nash","tag-robin-lehner","tag-st-louis-blues"],"modified_by":"Christian Holmes, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32050","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32050"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32050\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32055"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32050"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32050"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32050"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}