Updates on Cole Perfetti, Alexei Kolosov and Dawson Mercer plus some recent Sabres speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
TIDBITS FROM FRIEDMAN’S LATEST “32 THOUGHTS”.
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports one executive told him negotiations between the Winnipeg Jets and restricted free agent Cole Perfetti are “the politest in recent memory.”
Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti (NHL Images).
Perfetti has represented the Jets in some recent NHL/team events, saying he’s not unhappy in Winnipeg and wants to stay. Sources told Friedman that Shane Pinto’s contract with the Ottawa Senators is challenging for the Jets. The two players have similar career numbers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Pinto is entering the first season of a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.75 million.
The Philadelphia Flyers are trying to determine what to do with Alexei Kolosov. The 22-year-old Belarussian goaltender did not report to training camp and remains in Russia.
Friedman said teams that inquired about Kolosov were told the asking price is a second-round draft pick. They must also figure out if the young netminder will join them.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Kolosov’s apparent reluctance to leave home is likely the bigger sticking point. Some teams in desperate need of goalie depth would probably part with a second-rounder for him.
Friedman is sticking to his prediction of Dawson Mercer getting a bridge contract from the New Jersey Devils.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mercer is coming off his entry-level contract. He has no leverage other than not reporting to training camp, which won’t do him or the Devils any good.
COULD THE SABRES STILL PURSUE A TOP-SIX FORWARD?
THE ATHLETIC: A reader asked Matthew Fairburn if he felt it was still possible for the Buffalo Sabres to make a big trade for a top-six forward to replace the departed Jeff Skinner. They possess the cap space and prospect depth to swing a deal this season.
Fairburn believes it’s still possible but noted it might not take place until later in the season. He suggested Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers as a trade target, noting he’s in the final season of his contract and the Jets must decide if they’ll keep or trade him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Ehlers, 28, was the subject of trade speculation earlier this offseason but that died away as general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Scott Arniel praised his performance.
Despite that praise, Cheveldayoff hasn’t committed to signing Ehlers to an extension. The winger’s future in Winnipeg could depend on him and his teammates this season. He could become available if the Jets drop out of the playoff race by the March 7 trade deadline. Whether the Sabres will be interested in him will depend on where they are in the standings by that point.