Check out the latest on Patrik Laine, Sidney Crosby, Igor Shesterkin and Artemi Panarin in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger reported earlier this week that Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said it’s been a slow trade market thus far for Patrik Laine.
According to Waddell, only one team had reached out to express an interest in the 26-year-old winger. He’s not surprised given this stage of the offseason, suggesting this could play out for a while.
Laine requested a trade this spring. He emerged a week ago from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. That allowed Waddell to speak directly with the winger about his preferred trade destinations. Laine and his agent were also permitted to contact other teams.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Laine’s contract is a major stumbling block. He carries an average annual value of $8 million through 2025-26 and a 10-team no-trade list. Many teams invested much of their cap space in the trade and free-agent markets once he emerged from the player assistance program.
Laine’s health is likely another concern. It was reported he was rehabbing a shoulder injury he suffered last season.
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).
The lack of interest thus far won’t stop the speculation about potential destinations. The Hockey News’ Remy Mastey cited Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli recently suggesting the New York Rangers as a possibility.
THE ATHLETIC: Rob Rossi provided an update on the status of Sidney Crosby’s contract extension talks with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Rossi reported a month ago that multiple sources indicated the two sides were closing in on a deal with both sides confident it would be completed soon. It was speculated the deal would be three years with an AAV of $10 million.
So far, that extension has yet to materialize. Rossi followed up with his sources, indicating both sides were comfortable with where the negotiations stood and that everyone felt comfortable going about their summer plans and taking some downtime.
Rossi noted that Crosby was born on Aug. 7, 1987. The superstitious Penguins captain honors that date by wearing No. 87 and earning an AAV of $8.7 million on his current contract. “Read into that last sentence what you will.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It wouldn’t be surprising if Crosby’s new contract is announced next Wednesday. Stay tuned…
THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh was asked if New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin would accept a “hometown discount” to help the club when Alexis Lafreniere and K’Andre Miller are restricted free agents next summer.
Baugh cited colleague Arthur Staple speculated recently that Shesterkin’s starting point in negotiations could be 14 percent of the salary cap, which would be $12.94 million annually. While he might not necessarily get that much, it’s hard to see him accepting a hometown discount.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is Shesterkin’s opportunity to cash in big as an unrestricted free agent. He’s established himself among the league’s elite netminders and is crucial to the Rangers’ hopes for a Stanley Cup. They have to pay him top dollar. If the Blueshirts balk, he’ll get it from another club on the open market.
Another reader asked Baugh about the possibility of trading Artemi Panarin, pointing out that his offensive game doesn’t translate in the playoffs.
Baugh noted that Panarin has a full no-movement clause giving him complete control. Even if he agreed to a trade, the Rangers won’t get equal “win-now” value in return. His production would be almost impossible to replace.