The status of contract extension talks between the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid has been headline news throughout this summer. However, the 28-year-old center isn't the only notable player eligible for UFA status next summer.
Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel and Minnesota Wild left winger Kirill Kaprizov are among the noteworthy players who could be part of next summer's UFA class.
So far, there's been little to report regarding any extension discussions between the Golden Knights and Eichel. Kaprizov's status has garnered more attention lately, especially after the Wild re-signed RFA center Marco Rossi last week, but there's no indication they're closing in on a deal.
Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco was recently asked which UFA-eligible players might hit the open market next summer. Interestingly, he said it wasn't a certainty that Eichel and Kaprizov would sign extensions before July 1.
Di Marco wondered how the Golden Knights could afford another high-salaried forward after adding Mitch Marner and his $12 million average annual value for the next eight seasons. He speculated that the rising salary cap could send Eichel's next contract soaring above $12.6 million annually.
PuckPedia indicates the Golden Knights have a projected $20.375 million in cap space for 2026-27, with 14 active roster players under contract. They could also have another $8.8 million in cap relief if Alex Pietrangelo remains on the long-term injured reserve, giving them more than enough to re-sign Eichel.
As for Kaprizov, Di Marco acknowledged he's poised to become the highest-paid winger in the NHL. Nevertheless, he wondered if Wild GM Bill Guerin was willing to do so, pointing out that he played hardball with Rossi. While admitting the latter situation was different, the precedent has been set. He also thinks Kaprizov has the opportunity to significantly change the market for wingers, which he might not turn away from.
However, the Wild are determined to ensure the most exciting player in franchise history stays in Minnesota. Last October, Wild owner Craig Leipold indicated his club's plan to re-sign Kaprizov, boasting that no other team could offer him more money or a longer term.
NHL Rumor Roundup: The Latest Vancouver Canucks BuzzFollowing a season of turmoil for the
Vancouver Canucks, this off-season has been relatively quiet.
Meanwhile, Michael Russo of The Athletic cited Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund telling reporters that he believes Rasmus Andersson's days as his teammate are numbered.
“Yeah, he's getting traded. It's obvious,” Backlund said during the NHL player media tour in Europe. The Flames captain added that Andersson doesn't want this situation to be a distraction, prompting Backlund to tell him to just go out and play and not worry about it.
Andersson has been the subject of trade rumors since June, when contract extension talks with the Flames broke down. While Backlund suggested the possibility that things could change, he seemed resigned to the fact that the 28-year-old defenseman will be moved before the March trade deadline.
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