Is Linus Ullmark planning a long-term stay in Ottawa? How could Matty Beniers’ new contract affect Stars forwards Wyatt Johnston and Logan Stankoven? What’s the latest on Tyson Barrie and the Oilers? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
ULLMARK PLANNING A LONG STAY IN OTTAWA?
NHL insider Shawn Simpson reports hearing goaltender Linus Ullmark bought a home in Ottawa. “I wouldn’t be shocked if we hear about an extension before the season starts,” he wrote.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Steve Warne cautions not to read too much into Ullmark purchasing a house in Ottawa.
Ullmark, 30, was acquired by the Senators from the Boston Bruins two months ago. He can become an unrestricted free agent next July.
Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (NHL Images).
Following the trade, Ullmark said he’s leaving his contract situation for his agent and Senators general manager Steve Staios to discuss.
Warne acknowledged it might be a good sign that Ullmark’s bought a home in Ottawa. However, he also pointed out the difficulty former Senators goaltender Cam Talbot faced in finding a suitable rental home in the Ottawa area, suggesting Ullmark may have encountered the same issue.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Warne believes Ullmark wants to see how this season shakes out before deciding on an extension with the Senators. If things go well, the goalie and his family could be living in their new Ottawa home beyond this season.
WHAT IMPACT WILL BENIERS’ CONTRACT HAVE FOR TWO YOUNG STARS FORWARDS?
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau pondered the effect Matty Beniers’ new seven-year contract with the Seattle Kraken would have on the Dallas Stars’ eventual contract talks with young forwards Wyatt Johnston and Logan Stankoven.
Beniers, Johnston, and Stankoven were selected in the 2021 NHL Draft. The Kraken center had a better rookie season, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2022-23. However, Johnston had a better sophomore season with 32 goals and 65 points to Beniers’ 15 goals and 37 points.
Stankoven has two years remaining on his entry-level contract. He had a modest rookie campaign (14 points in 24 games) but quickly established himself as a key cog in the Stars’ future.
Beniers will earn an average annual value of $7.14 million on his new contract. Proteau speculates Johnston might get a five or six-year deal worth between $5 million and $6 million because Texas doesn’t have a state tax on income. Stankoven’s might be less lucrative than Johnston’s.
Proteau suggested the Stars could also try signing Johnston and Stankoven to bridge deals.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnston and Stankoven are currently on entry-level contracts, giving Stars general manager Jim Nill the hammer in contract negotiations.
Nill will have a projected cap space of $42 million for 2025-26 (assuming the cap rises as anticipated to $92 million) when Johnston becomes an RFA, giving him plenty of cap room to sign him to a bridge deal or a more lucrative long-term contract. However, he’s also got goalie Jake Oettinger, defenseman Esa Lindell, forwards Jamie Benn and Matt Duchene to re-sign or replace at that time, and Jason Robertson and Mason Marchment in 2026.
COULD BARRIE RETURN TO THE OILERS?
EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins believes Tyson Barrie could return to the Oilers on a value contract. The 33-year-old defenseman was traded to the Nashville Predators before the 2023 trade deadline and is currently an unrestricted free agent.
Leavins indicates that Barrie loved his time with the Oilers, never wanted to leave, and would welcome an opportunity to return. He’d also be a good fit off the ice. Nevertheless, new GM Stan Bowman will also kick tires on other UFA blueliners like Justin Schultz and Kevin Shattenkirk.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent rumors had the Oilers in contract with Barrie about a possible reunion. One of them could attend training camp on a professional tryout offer.