NHL Rumors: Panthers, Maple Leafs, Avalanche, Penguins – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumor mill, Florida Panthers sign Carter Verhaeghe, is Sam Bennett next? Meanwhile, an insider confirms the Toronto Maple Leafs are trading Timothy Liljegren and another says the team and defenseman Jake McCabe are talking about an extension. Is Mikko Rantanen closing contract negotiations with the Colorado Avalanche? Finally, is Evgeni Malkin thinking about retirement?

Panthers May Shift Focus On Re-Signing Sam Bennett After Verhaeghe Extension

With Carter Verhaeghe shut down, the Florida Panthers may now turn their attention to retaining another key piece of their core: Sam Bennett. According to David Pagnotta of The fourth seasonBennett may be the Panthers’ next priority as he enters the final year of his four-year, $17.7 million contract.

Bennett, 28, will become an unrestricted free agent next summer if a deal isn’t reached. The veteran center is coming off three consecutive 40-plus point seasons and scored twice in Florida’s season opener. Last season, Bennett registered 20 goals and 21 assists in 69 games before performing well in the playoffs, posting 14 points in 19 games during the Panthers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final.

Pagnotta estimates that Bennett’s new long-term deal could be worth between $6 million and $7 million.

Map Leaves Calling Home by Timothy Liljegren

Elliotte Friedman reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs are shopping defenseman Timothy Liljegren. He writes, in his latest 32 Thoughts column, “It sounds like Toronto is working to find a replacement for Timothy Liljegren. He’s at the bottom of the depth chart, not a situation anyone is happy about.”

This statement seems to suggest that the Maple Leafs and the defenseman were unhappy with the way things have turned out since he signed his new contract and the speculation is that head coach Craig Berube doesn’t see Liljegren as a fit and GM Brad Treliving has been absent. ever sold on a blueliner. His $3 million cap hit over the next two seasons could be a challenge to move, but the organization is looking around to see if there is any cap space that would be of interest.

Leafs and McCabe Continue to Talk About Extension

In other Maple Leafs news, Pagnotta writes that the Leafs and defenseman Jake McCabe are still talking about a possible contract extension. Pagnotta writes, “It sounds like, and the update I got before this game here on Tuesday, is that they are having good discussions and that those discussions could intensify in the coming days.”

Mikko Rantanen Will Not Discuss Regular Season

Colorado Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen has indicated that he will not be involved in regular season contract extension negotiations, according to reporter Adrian Dater on his Substack. (via Pro Hockey Rumors). He notes that his source denies previous reports that the two sides were close to an agreement.

Related: 3 Takeaways from the Avalanche’s 8-4 loss to the Golden Knights

Dater, citing NHL sources, suggests that Rantanen’s camp may use the opportunity to find free agency next summer to increase pressure on the Avalanche’s management. If the Avalanche feel they can’t lock up Rantanen long-term, it could lead to significant trade speculation. Losing Rantanen would be a huge blow for Colorado, but trading him could yield a huge return.

Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin has indicated that the final two years of his four-year, $24.4 million contract could be his in the NHL. However, Malkin, 37, said Athletic that he will not retire until he faces the play-offs again.

“I really like the playoffs and I really like our fans. I need to hear it again. I wouldn’t go if I didn’t play in the final again. Until then.”

source – ‘Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin is aging, changing and not done’ – Josh Yohe – The Athletic – 10/09/2024