In today’s NHL Rumor Roundup: the latest on the Leafs’ Mitch Marner and Nick Robertson, an update on the Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman, and why there could be more trades and waiver activity in this year’s preseason.
TSN: Darren Dreger reports there’s no contract extension imminent between the Toronto Maple Leafs and winger Mitch Marner.
Dreger indicated the relationship between Leafs management and the Marner camp is in a good place. He doesn’t believe Marner faces pressure to sign a new deal, adding the 27-year-old winger is happy for it to be quiet. While there’s no heavy negotiation between the two sides, there’s a good relationship between them and they’re ok with not rushing into getting a deal done.
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Both sides seem fine with letting the coming season unfold and seeing how things play out.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Nick Barden cited Dreger saying Nick Robertson seems likely to return with the Maple Leafs this season. The 22-year-old restricted free-agent winger requested a trade earlier this summer, but the two sides could soon agree to a new contract.
Robertson was unhappy with his role and limited playing time with the Leafs. However, new Leafs coach Craig Berube told him he’d be given an opportunity given their holes at the left wing position.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This could be Robertson’s best chance to earn top-six minutes with the Leafs. If it doesn’t work out, his trade request could be honored.
The Toronto Sun’s Lance Hornby reported Robertson preferred a trade to a Western Conference club to be closer to his family and brother Jason of the Dallas Stars. However, Nick doesn’t have much leverage in this situation.
Dreger also reports a contract between the Boston Bruins and RFA goaltender Jeremy Swayman might not be as far off as previous reports suggested. “Negotiations are probably closer than what we’re reading about,” he said.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Reports last week claimed the two sides were far apart, with Swayman believed seeking an average annual value of around $8.5 million and the Bruins offering $6.2 million. There is speculation suggesting they could agree to a short-term deal.
Despite the conjecture, Swayman has been skating with his teammates in Boston with training camp over a week away.
RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico cites a source suggesting there could be more trades and waiver moves than usual during this year’s NHL training camp and preseason.
Thanks to the sharp rise in the salary cap for this season, several teams have considerable cap flexibility and lots of roster spots available. With additional youth coming into the league, there could be more trades and waiver moves. Rebuilding teams like the Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames could have the most to gain.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: That period usually sparks an increase in trade activity and waiver wire moves as clubs evaluate their rosters for the upcoming season. D’Amico noted that 11 clubs have upwards of $5 million in cap space for 2024-25. Some could use it to their advantage to seek deals with cap-strapped teams looking to shed salary before the regular season begins.