NHL Rumors: Rangers, Kraken, Maple Leafs, Panthers, Islanders, Golden Knights, Ducks, and Wild

Quick hits on the Rangers, Kraken, Maple Leafs, Panthers, Islanders, Golden Knights and Ducks

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Artemi Panarin is the highest paid New York Ranger at $11.64 million. Igor Shesterkin’s camp would argue that Igor is the best player on the team, and they’re wrong. The problem is position, and going over Panarin’s number may not be something the Rangers are willing to do.

The Seattle Kraken recently signed Joey Daccord to a five-year, $25 million extension. Philipp Grubauer is two years away from earning $5.9 million but his salary is close to $4 million. If they want to go down the shopping street, his number would be manageable.

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Kraken forward Brandon Tanev is a pending UFA and there is interest in him.

It sounds like the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to trade defenseman Timothy Liljegren.

Expect the Florida Panthers to try and extend Sam Bennett.

Things seem quiet as pending UFAs Brock Nelson (NY Islanders) and Shea Theodore (Vegas Golden Knights).

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler will receive interest this season, and it is believed that the St. Louis Blues have already looked at him for a long time. Goaltender John Gibson will need to stay healthy and fit. Things are quiet with Trevor Zegras.

The Minnesota Wild will have an excellent offer for Kirill Kaprizov

Joe Smith and Michael Russo of The Athletic: Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin enters his sixth year as GM and owner Craig Leipold said there is “zero heat” for him.

The Wild will have plenty of cap space next season and will be looking to extend Kirill Kaprizov. They will need to get Kaprizov to buy into their system.

“Am I sure we can (persuade him to stay)?” No,” said Leipold. “Am I sure we’re going to have a better offer than anyone else in the league? The answer is yes.

“I told you that this five-year plan is not straightforward. He is a very important part of our five-year plan. I think I can say that.”

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Leipold believes they will get what Kaprizov wants.