The NHL is gearing up for a busy few weeks, with trade rumors and negotiations swirling across the league. The recent three-team trade between the Columbus Blue Jackets, Seattle Kraken, and Philadelphia Flyers has ignited the speculation, with many teams looking to make moves to improve their rosters.
Danny Briere, the recently appointed Flyers GM, has already made significant moves to rebuild the team, and rumors suggest he is open to considering almost anything to advance the program long-term. Reports indicate that the Flyers would listen to offers on Travis Konecny, who has two more years left on his deal, and while there have been no serious offers yet, there is confidence that the Flyers will receive at least one or two this summer.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings cleared significant cap space as part of the three-team trade and immediately re-engaged with defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov on an extension, signing a two-year deal worth an average annual value of $5.875 million. Gavrikov’s agent, Dan Milstein, was adamant about not exceeding a two-year term, betting that the salary cap will start going back up in 12 months, and Gavrikov will be better positioned to bring himself back to free agency with a better value position in two years.
Pierre-Luc Dubois, the Jets’ restricted free agent, informed the team last year that he wasn’t inclined to sign long-term, and now his camp has let the team know that it’s best to move him on this summer rather than do a one-year deal. Veteran agent Pat Brisson hopes to work with the Jets to facilitate a trade that works for everyone but knows that they’re not interested in trading Dubois at a discount, and teams will need to step up to get the deal done. The Habs remain interested, among other teams.
Alex DeBrincat’s camp has given Senators GM Pierre Dorion a shortlist of preferred destinations in case Ottawa decides to go the trade route with the pending RFA winger. The prolonged process in the sale of the Senators has impacted DeBrincat’s situation, as there are uncertainties about the team’s future, and it’s weighing on his camp. The most prudent thing for the Senators to do is to trade him this summer.
The Devils have made an offer to pending RFA winger Jesper Bratt for the max term of eight years, but it remains unclear if the Bratt camp wants to go that long on the contract or will push for a shorter-term deal. Negotiations with Timo Meier are next on the team’s agenda.
In all, the NHL offseason promises to be an exciting time for fans, with teams willing to make significant moves to reshape their rosters and boost their chances of success in the upcoming season. With plenty of talented players available on the trade market and in free agency, teams will need to be savvy in their negotiations to secure the best deals and build a roster that can compete at the highest level.
