NHL Rumors: Oilers, Flames, Jets, Kuznetsov Leaving NHL – Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

In today’s edition of NHL rumors, there is conflicting news when it comes to whether the Edmonton Oilers are in talks with Leon Draisaitl regarding a contract extension. Could the Calgary Flames be open to a Rasmus Andersson trade? Are the Winnipeg Jets an afterthought or a long-term deal for Cole Perfetti? Finally, Evgeny Kuznetsov has officially left the NHL.

The Oilers and Draisaitl Have Not Discussed a New Deal

According to Ryan Rishaug, “On the Draisaitl extension, it sounds like the two sides have been in contact but the actual talks haven’t started yet, those will start here soon. So any idea that it is about to be done is premature as of today. This comes on the heels of reports suggesting on Tuesday that serious talks have taken place between the Oilers camp and Draisaitl, predicting the forward will sign an eight-year deal worth $13.5-$13.8 million per season.

Bob Stauffer of the Edmonton Oilers radio station reported that he spoke with Draisaitl’s agent Mike Liut and that the most important thing for his client is for Draisaitl to sign an eight-year contract. It’s possible that this information was conveyed to the Oilers without any actual negotiations taking place, but this could all be semantics.

The two sides may not have sat down at the negotiating table or gone over the exact details of what the new deal will look like over the phone or video, but both sides may know exactly what the other wants and it’s just a matter of fact. dotting the Is and crossing the Ts.

Can the Flames move Rasmus Andersson?

The Calgary Flames may still have some work to do, and Allan Mitchell of The Athletic suggests that Rasmus Andersson could get a solid return at the trade deadline, especially from the Edmonton Oilers. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 214 pounds, Andersson is a complete defender and a formidable attacker. Mitchell notes that Puck IQ analysis reveals that while Andersson has struggled against elite competition, he remains a valuable asset.

Related: Oilers Fans Need to Upset Philip Broberg’s Expectations This Season

Mitchell explains:

He can enter the second pairing [Darnell] Nurse, and served as a strong defensive lineman and tandem passer. His offensive contributions have improved over the past three seasons (138 points in 239 games) but the sale to the Flames in 2023-24 has impacted his overall numbers.

source – ‘Oilers trade targets: 3 defensemen who could solve big end problem’ – Allan Mitchell – The Athletic – 07/29/2024

The writer notes that the downside to acquiring Andersson is that it will cost Edmonton more, as the rebuilding Flames are unlikely to help their provincial rival. A three-way deal may be necessary, with a package that includes a draft pick, Philip Broberg, and other young assets.

He also mentioned Artem Zub from Ottawa or Justin Barron as options before Barron signed with the Canadiens.

Are the Jets and Perfetti Thinking Bridge or Long-Term Deal?

Sportsnet’s Luke Fox and Rory Boylen take a look at the top 10 RFAs left this offseason and when it comes to the Winnipeg Jets, Cole Perfetti’s situation is interesting. They argue that his extension appears to be a classic case because the team wants more and Perfetti thinks he can bring more. However, the conversations between the player and the coach tell a different story.

The writers quoted Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun, who reported, “I believe there was communication between Perfetti and newly appointed Winnipeg Jets coach Scott Arniel and his coaching staff where the player heard good things.” He adds: “I believe it could be a distraction for Perfetti to sign long-term, as long as the Jets want to go the way they have gone with Mark Scheifele, Nikolaj Ehlers and Kyle Connor in the past.

Kuznetsov signs a contract with SKA in the KHL

Evgeny Kuznetsov officially leaves the NHL and signs a four-year contract with the St. Petersburg SKA of the KHL. According to Russian journalist Daria Tuboltseva, his official AAV will be $950k with potential big bonuses.

Kuznetsov’s exit ends an 11-year NHL career, in which he appeared in 743 games, scored 173 goals, and totaled 575 points. His postseason performance was equally impressive, with 33 points and 73 points in 97 playoff games. Kuznetsov contributed to the Washington Capitals’ 2018 Stanley Cup victory, leading the team in scoring during the tournament’s run.