NHL's Johnny Gaudreau Dies at Age 31; Brother Matthew Gaudreau Dies at 29
Aug 30, 2024
COLUMBUS, OHIO - APRIL 01: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets takes a break during a stoppage in play against the Colorado Avalanche at Nationwide Arena on April 01, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, died Thursday.
The Blue Jackets confirmed the deaths of both men in a statement released Friday morning.
Columbus Blue Jackets statement on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew. pic.twitter.com/V2aFykgKIs
"The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "While Johnny's infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname 'Johnny Hockey,' he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path."
Per ABC 6 in Philadelphia, New Jersey state troopers confirmed Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed when a vehicle hit them while they were riding their bikes around 8:30 p.m. local time on Thursday night.
The driver of the vehicle "is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash," police said, according to ABC.
According to ESPN, "Both brothers, who were New Jersey natives, had been in the area to be groomsmen in their sister Katie's wedding that was scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia."
Johnny Gaudreau played college hockey at Boston College from 2011 to '14. He helped the Eagles win the national championship during the 2011-12 season and was awarded the Hobey Baker Award as the top men's player in the country for the 2013-14 season.
The Calgary Flames originally selected Gaudreau in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL draft. He signed his entry-level contract with the club on the same day as the ceremony at which he won the Hobey Baker Award.
It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau.
Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary. pic.twitter.com/xFm1md0vwh
Gaudreau made his NHL debut with the Flames on the final day of the 2013-14 regular season. He became a full-time player in 2014-15, earning a spot on the All-Rookie team in his first full season.
Thoughts and prayers to the Gaudreau family. So incredibly sad.
After spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Flames, Gaudreau signed a seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets as a free agent. He appeared in 161 games over the past two seasons with Columbus.
Gaudreau appeared in a total of 763 games over 11 seasons in the NHL. He scored 743 points, with a career-high 115 coming during the 2021-22 campaign.
Matthew Gaudreau was a professional hockey player in the ECHL. He most recently played for the Worcester Railers during the 2021-22 season. He also played one season for the Reading Royals.
Why Penguins-Jets Rutger McGroaty for Brayden Yager Trade Was Win-Win for Both Teams
Hannah Stuart
Aug 26, 2024
USA's forward Rutger McGroarty celebrates scoring during the quarter-final match between USA and Latvia of the IIHF World Junior Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden on January 2, 2024. (Photo by Bjorn LARSSON ROSVALL / TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP) / Sweden OUT (Photo by BJORN LARSSON ROSVALL/TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images)
Rumors of a Rutger McGroarty (drafted 14th overall in 2022) trade were going around as early as the NHL Draft back in June when it was confirmed by Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff that forward McGroarty had no intention of signing with the Jets.
When no trade materialized, the assumption became that McGroarty would return to the University of Michigan for his junior season. However, when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Moose Jaw Warriors forward Brayden Yager (drafted 14th overall in 2023), he immediately signed his entry-level contract with the Penguins.
People like to talk about trades in terms of winners and losers. Looking at it through that lens, it could be argued that the Penguins are the clear winners here. Contrary to what more extreme discussions would have you believe, that doesn't make the trade a loss for the Jets.
They were in a tough spot with McGroarty refusing to sign, and, per remarks from Cheveldayoff, not giving a specific reason other than that it "didn't feel right". When this happens with NCAA players, lack of leverage makes it difficult for teams to get any significant return for the player. Sometimes, they have to let the player walk for nothing after they finish their college career. The Jets getting Yager, who has potential, is a relative win in a difficult situation.
Bottom line? The Penguins got something they needed: a sharp young forward who can contribute now. The Jets also got something they needed: a promising young forward who, while having a longer development runway than the player they traded away, is lightyears better than no asset.
Let's look at the players themselves.
What the Penguins Get in McGroarty
Welcome to Pittsburgh! ✍️
The Penguins have signed Rutger McGroarty to a three-year, Entry-Level Contract. pic.twitter.com/lpACZ7dB0e
"A winger for Crosby" was the eternal refrain for Penguins fans for a long time. With the rise of Jake Guentzel, it seemed like those days were over. Guentzel's departure made it appear as though those dark times were returning—but with the acquisition of McGroarty, that's no longer the case. Now this, of course, does not mean that McGroarty is locked in to play with Crosby. But he's a young, highly skilled forward.
So he's probably going to end up playing with Crosby.
Regardless of the line he plays on, there's a lot for Penguins fans to look forward to about McGroarty. At 6'1" and 200 pounds, McGroarty has size; more importantly, he knows how to use that size effectively. When discussing the trade, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas called out his "ability, leadership, and competitiveness". McGroarty has all of those things in spades. In addition to being a Hobey Baker nominee, he also snagged spots on the All-Big Ten first team and the All-Big Ten tournament team during his time at Michigan.
One of the most important things to know about Rutger McGroarty is that he is a shark around the net. He's got stellar shooting ability, great instincts, and the ability to use his size to negate defensive play by his opponents, making space for himself instead. At his best, he's relentless, particularly on the forecheck, and his anticipation makes for excellent scoring opportunities.
A longstanding theory of mine is that to be successful next to Sidney Crosby, a player has to have a specific kind of complementary skill. Call it the Kunitz effect; it refers to guys who become more useful next to elite players because they know how to use their skill to elevate the opportunities those players create. We've seen that from McGroarty with guys like Frank Nazar and Gavin Brindley, teammates of his at the University of Michigan.
There's no reason to think he couldn't also do it with Crosby or Malkin.
Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby.
The biggest concern about McGroarty's game, particularly leading up to his draft year, has been his skating. His skating mechanics are, to put it bluntly, not great, and his posture could do with some work as well. His speed and edge work suffer because of his mechanical issues, which can give him trouble when it comes to keeping up with speedier teammates. Fortunately, he's seen some improvement in that area; whether he improves more remains to be seen, though the amount is likely limited by the fact that he's probably done growing.
His strengths have become stronger to compensate, which is ideal when you're working to shape a player's game—you'd always prefer to bolster their strengths rather than focus on weaknesses—but skating mobility is a significant weakness in today's game. It's a good thing he's a vulture around the net.
What the Jets Get In Yager
Brayden Yager, a two-way center who has repeatedly showcased his scoring ability at the junior level, has the potential to be a good player. That being said, he was also a bit overrated by Penguins fans and pundits.
That's understandable; for a time, Yager was the only prospect of his caliber in the Penguins' system. Recent additions to that prospect pool made him more expendable, but he's still the same player who had 95 points in 57 games last season and was a WHL champion.
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 24: Pittsburgh Penguins center Brayden Yager (62) skates with the puck during the first period in the preseason NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks on September 24, 2023, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Yager is the kind of player who, on his best nights, frustrates opponents with difficult-to-stop shots and passes alike. He's a good skater and reads the ice well, knowing where he needs to be to be most effective and ensuring he gets there. He brings a combination of playmaking and scoring abilities, rather than leaning into one or the other, and he feasts on the power play. It's this last part that can be both a strength and a weakness for him.
A significant concern about Yager's game is whether he can drive play on his own. That's always something you want to see from a center, especially one who people want to project as a top or middle-six player. He's got the playmaking skills, he's got good forechecking abilities. But before we project who he is going to be as a player at the NHL level, it feels important that we see another WHL season from him—one where he is expected to push play himself, and in particular where he cannot lean on former Warriors teammate Denton Mateychuk (CBJ prospect), who will likely spend the upcoming season with the AHL's Cleveland Monsters.
While Yager will probably make a good impression at the Jets' training camp, he is unlikely to see any significant time in the NHL this season. That's for the best, as noted above. He'll also probably need some time in the AHL after his WHL career ends, before he's ready for full-time duty with the Jets. That's a perfectly reasonable development path and one that the Jets can allow him to take. The Penguins didn't have that luxury; they needed someone ready now, and they got him. At the end of the day, this was one of those rare pure hockey trades that benefits both sides.
Flyers Waive Ryan Johansen for Contract Breach; Agent Says Center Has 'Severe' Injury
Aug 20, 2024
DALLAS, TX - MAY 9: Ryan Johansen #12 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on May 9, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Flyers placed veteran forward Ryan Johansen on unconditional waivers on Tuesday for the purpose of terminating his contract.
The team said the termination was "due to a material breach."
The Philadelphia Flyers have placed forward Ryan Johansen on unconditional waivers today for the purpose of terminating his contract due to a material breach. pic.twitter.com/7P9aRhVIl2
Johansen's agent Kurt Overhardt said in a response that the forward "has a severe hockey injury that requires extensive surgery which has been scheduled."
Overhardt claimed Johansen "has worked in good faith" with the Flyers.
Johansen was traded to the Flyers by the Colorado Avalanche in March, at which point he had one season and $8 million remaining on his contract. The Flyers took on $4 million of that salary in the trade.
Philadelphia is currently over the cap, per Puckpedia. The team would be able to create over $3 million in cap space by terminating Johansen's deal.
Overhardt, the CEO of KO Sports, Inc., said the agency has "been in contact with the NHLPA and will defend Ryan and protect his rights."
The NHLPA said in a statement: "The Philadelphia Flyers' actions raise significant concerns. We are currently reviewing the matter."
Johansen's team "is expected to grieve this termination," and the Flyers are expected to "present their case if asked to do" so, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
A little more information: Johansen is expected to grieve this termination; Flyers aren’t commenting, but have made it clear they will present their case if asked to do.
So, while the contract may be terminated tomorrow, there is going to be a bit of a process here https://t.co/QI298o3DUX
Johansen had recorded 13 goals and 10 assists, totaling 23 points in 63 games, for the Avalanche last season. He was averaging about 13 and a half minutes of ice time per night prior to the trade.
But Johansen did not play for the Flyers following the deadline deal, and The Athletic's Kevin Kurz reported in March that Johansen was dealing with a hip injury.
General manager Danny Briere confirmed in April there was a "medical" reason Johansen had not returned to the ice.
"All I can tell you is I don't expect him to be back," Briere said in April, per Jon Bailey of Philly Hockey Now. "I don't know, exactly, the situation. We're dealing on the medical side with him. The thing for him is getting him back to be able to play at this time. He doesn't think he can play hockey. I wish I had a better answer for you. We need to get him better to figure out if there's even a remote chance of him dressing for the organization."
Johansen was selected as the No. 4 pick of the 2010 draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has since played 905 NHL games while totaling 202 goals and 578 points in 13 seasons for the Jackets, Nashville Predators and Avalanche.
Travis Konecny, Flyers Agree to $70M Contract Extension Ahead of 2024 NHL Season
Jul 25, 2024
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 13: Travis Konecny #11 of the Philadelphia Flyers acknowledges the crowd after scoring the only goal in his team's 1-0 win against the New Jersey Devils at the Wells Fargo Center on April 13, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The goal was Konecny's 400th point of his NHL career. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
Travis Konecny isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
The Philadelphia Flyers signed the veteran forward to an eight-year extension worth an average of $8.75 million per season, the team announced Thursday.
"I couldn't be happier to sign again with the Flyers," he said in a statement. "There's such a bright and exciting future with this team and I can't wait to be a part of it for the next nine years and see what we will accomplish."
Konecny, 27, led the Flyers in both goals (33) and assists (35) last season, his second straight campaign exceeding both 30 goals and 30 assists. He was an All-Star for the second time.
"Travis Konecny is an integral part of the fabric of our team and we are thrilled to have him under contract for the long-term," general manager Daniel Brière said in a statement. "Travis has grown into a significant leader on our team and he truly embodies what it means to be a Flyer. His work-ethic, combined with his tenacity and talent makes him a central figure for what we are building towards, and his determination for our future success speaks volumes about his commitment to our team and city."
It was a major commitment from the Flyers, though Konecny has continued to progress as a player in recent seasons:
Travis Konecny secures the bag on a deal that might be a little rich to start — and possibly very rich at the end. He'll need to take another step forward to be worth the money. pic.twitter.com/R7QjCNgZyg
Travis Konecny is an exceptional player. He has taken a big jump these last two years and turned into a powerhouse first liner with multi-faceted value. Even if he drops off at the tail end of this contract, he should be well worth it for its start.
Konecny is extended 8x8.75. The range of opinions on this extension are sure to be very extreme. Fact of the matter is that this is precisely the value based on other comparables. Some will say TK doesn't fit the timeline. I like the deal from both a value standpoint and because… https://t.co/eQlFGI7PQM
Konecny has spent his entire eight-year career with the Flyers. This deal might ensure he never plays for another team.
It's been an exciting summer for the rebuilding Flyers, with top prospect Matvei Michkov surprisingly joining the team for the upcoming season. Expectations are higher in Philly than they have been in quite some time for the Flyers, largely surrounding Michkov's huge potential.
But keeping Konecny for the long term is a solid development for the team as well.
Dean Evason, Blue Jackets Agree to HC Contract After Todd McLellan, NHL Rumors
Jul 22, 2024
SAINT PAUL, MN - MAY 4: Minnesota Wild head coach Dean Evason speaks during the post game press conference after his team defeated the St. Louis Blues in Game Two of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Xcel Energy Center on May 4, 2022 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Columbus Blue Jackets officially appointed Dean Evason as the organization's new head coach on Monday.
General manager Don Waddell released the following statement:
Dean Evason brings to coaching what he brought as a player—passion, hard work and tenacity—and I couldn't be happier that he will serve as the next head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has spent well over two decades in this league as a player, assistant coach and head coach and I believe that experience, combined with the outstanding person he is, will allow Dean to get the best out of our players and put us in a position to succeed as a team.
According to Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets "went back and forth" in contract talks with Todd McLellan over several weeks, and McLellan "was excited about the prospect of coming to Columbus and wasn't asking for $5.5 million per season."
But a contract was reportedly never offered, and the Blue Jackets went with Evason instead.
It concludes what could only be described as a whirlwind last year for the team from a head-coaching perspective.
Columbus fired Brad Larsen in April 2023 after he went two seasons without making a playoff appearance. Mike Babock was hired to replace him but never coached a game for the team, resigning in Sept. 2023 in the wake of an NHL Players' Association investigation into questionable conduct in his dealings with players.
The Blue Jackets then named associate coach Pascal Vincent the head coach ahead of the 2023-24 season but fired him after a miserable season that saw the team accumulate just 66 points, worst in the Eastern Conference.
The hope will be that Evason rights the ship. The 57-year-old went 147-77-27 in parts of five seasons as the head coach for the Minnesota Wild (2019-20 to 2023-24), leading the team to four playoff berths.
He also spent seven seasons as an assistant for the Washington Capitals and played in the NHL for 13 seasons as a center.
"I am incredibly proud and honored to be named the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets and appreciate very much the opportunity that Don, the McConnell family and Mike Priest have extended to me," he said in a statement. "There is a great core and a lot of young talent on this team. I am really looking forward to working with this group and helping us become a team that plays extremely hard and competes at the highest level."
NHL Rumors: Sidney Crosby, Penguins Close on New Contract; Trade 'Never Discussed'
Jul 8, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 04: Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) waits for a face-off during the Pittsburgh Penguins versus Washington Capitals National Hockey League game on April 4, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Penguins are "closing in" on an extension for team captain Sidney Crosby, The Athletic's Rob Rossi reported.
Sources told Rossi that "team and player are confident a deal will be agreed upon and formalized soon."
Crosby is currently set to hit free agency after the 2024-25 season, but Rossi emphasized that the Penguins "never discussed" trading him or allowing him to hit free agency.
The reason an extension was not agreed to earlier this offseason was because Crosby wanted Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas "to address other offseason matters— specifically, potential trades and free-agent signings" first, Rossi reported.
Crosby, who turns 37 in August, last signed a 12-year contract worth $8.7 million per year in 2012. He scored 42 goals while adding 52 assists for 94 points in 82 games last season.
The Penguins have so far only made small adjustments in free agency by adding veteran forwards like Kevin Hayes, Anthony Beauvillier and Blake Lizotte and moving on from winger Reilly Smith after he was unable to click with Evgeni Malkin last season.
Crosby may have wanted Dubas to focus on these lineup adjustments, but the Penguins ultimately have no offseason priorities higher than re-signing the player who has led the franchise for 19 seasons.
Not only has Crosby remained a consistent point-per-game producer and one of the most reliable two-way centers in the NHL through two decades, but his role anchoring Pittsburgh's top line allows Malkin to slot in behind him on the second. That has given the Penguins a top six forward group that has remained a perennial threat even as the team's depth thinned since their last Stanley Cup run in 2017.
To consider trading Crosby would mean undergoing a full rebuild and aiming for a tumble to the bottom of the standings and a top draft pick.
With Crosby re-signed at least through the 2025-26 season alongside Malkin and defensive stars Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson, the Penguins will instead be attempting to once more make the playoffs next spring after two near misses over the last two seasons.
Crosby's extension will likely mean more than just him playing out the next two seasons with the Penguins. Rossi reported that sources say Crosby "reaffirmed to Dubas what he has repeatedly stated publicly— that he wants to finish his career with the Penguins."
Rossi reported that a team and league source called the upcoming deal "a commitment to Pittsburgh."
Crosby, the No. 1 pick of the 2005 draft, leads all active players with 1,596 points and 1,004 assists.
After joining Wayne Gretzky this spring as the only NHL players to ever record at least one point per game for 19 seasons, it sounds like Crosby will remain in Pittsburgh as he looks to set a league record with his 20th point-per-game campaign in 2024-25.
Rangers Risk Title Hopes With Jacob Trouba, Kaapo Kakko Trades Amid NHL Rumors
Erik Beaston
Jun 30, 2024
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 22: Jacob Trouba #8 of the New York Rangers during the anthem prior to the game against the Florida Panthers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 22, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
The New York Rangers won the Presidents' Trophy for the best regular-season win-loss record and were the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed.
The team as we know it, though, may look different next season.
Emily Kaplan of ESPN reported that New York is shopping captain Jacob Trouba and winger Kaapo Kakko.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post seconded the report on Kakko, adding that the team is "aggressively shopping" him. He added that there is movement on a trade to send Trouba to the Detroit Red Wings.
Arthur Staple and Peter Baugh of The Athletic reported that the Rangers' motivation for the moves is to free up cap space to make a splash at the start of free agency Monday. They noted that the team is high on winger Jake Guentzel. To add him, the organization will have to free up extra cap space to go along with the $12 million-plus it already has.
In doing so, the team risks stunting what made it a Cup contender this season.
Trouba played in just 69 games and tallied only 19 points, but he brought a steadiness to the defensive side of the puck. He is a physical presence on the ice, someone who can send a message with one hit and set the tone for the rest of the team.
More importantly, he is the captain and if the team is ready to send him packing just two years after giving him that title, it sends a questionable message to the rest of the locker room.
Kakko just signed a one-year qualifying offer with the team, but that does not secure his place on the roster for next season. He played 21 games less than a season ago and scored 21 fewer points. He did, however, finish with a plus-6 rating.
The Finnish player brought depth to the team at a key position and gave the Rangers 13:16 of ice time. Trouba is a locker room leader and the face of their defensive efforts.
Sending them packing while star-hunting in an attempt to load up for a championship push reflects the team's desire to hoist its first Stanley Cup since 1994, but it also threatens to mess with roster depth and team chemistry, two elements as important to winning a title as the number of stars any squad has on the ice at any given time.
The Rangers' success was one of the best stories in the league in 2023-24.
A roster upheaval may not behoove an organization that has made just about every other correct move over the last two seasons.
NHL Rumors: Jacob Trouba, Kappo Kakko Trades Explored by Rangers Ahead of Free Agency
Jun 28, 2024
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 13: Jacob Trouba #8 of the New York Rangers reacts to a third period goal by Jordan Martinook #48 of the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
The New York Rangers are "exploring options" regarding a potential trade for defenseman Jacob Trouba two years after he was named team captain, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reported.
According to Kaplan, Rangers general manager Chris Drury recently met with Trouba "to discuss his future."
The Rangers have also "had conversations with other teams" about trading 2019 No. 2 pick Kaapo Kakko, Kaplan reported.
Although New York decided to keep Kakko at the 2024 trade deadline, "it sounds like both sides would welcome a change of scenery now," Kaplan wrote.
The New York Post's Larry Brooks similarly reported Monday that the Rangers are "aggressively shopping" Kakko.
Kakko will play next season on the one-year, $2.4 million deal he signed with the Rangers in June, while Trouba is under contract for two more seasons at a cap hit of $8 million per year.
Trouba's current no-move clause expires Monday, at which point he will submit a 15-team no trade list to the Rangers, per CapFriendly.
The veteran defenseman, who has skated more than 21 minutes per night for the Rangers for five seasons since his trade from the Winnipeg Jets in 2019, was sidelined for three weeks in March with a broken ankle.
After his return, he saw his defensive responsibilities decrease as the Rangers slotted him into a more sheltered role on the third pairing. At times his skating appeared visibly limited during the Rangers' run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Trouba still finished the season having ranked second on the team only to Will Cuylle with 191 hits as he remained a key part of the Rangers' trademark physicality. He also ranked second only to Ryan Lindgren in time spent on the 4v5 penalty kill, per Natural Stat Trick.
Kakko also had his season derailed by injury when he missed the entire month of December with a hurt knee.
The winger was never able to find scoring or linemate consistency after his return. While moving up and down the Rangers' lineup throughout the season, he was held to 13 goals and 19 points in 61 games.
Drafted in part because of his quick and accurate shot, the fact that Kakko has not yet topped 20 goals in any one of his five NHL seasons, and is not a key part of either power-play unit, has become a frustration for both the 23-year-old and the Rangers.
Given Kakko's affordable one-year deal, his age, and his projected ceiling, he could be appealing to teams looking to take a chance on a still-developing scorer. Meanwhile, if Trouba hits the trade market, he will draw interest from clubs looking to up their physicality and improve their penalty killing in 2024-25.
NHL Trade Rumors: Jake Guentzel, Hurricanes Discussing Contract Ahead of Free Agency
Jun 25, 2024
ELMONT, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: Jake Guentzel #59 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates during the first period against the New York Islanders in Game Three of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at UBS Arena on April 25, 2024 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)
There are "talks ongoing" between Carolina Hurricanes and winger Jake Guentzel before the Monday opening of NHL free agency, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
Carolina hasn’t given up on trying to sign Jake Guentzel. Talks ongoing. My sense is it’s going to be hard for him not to see what’s out there Monday, but ‘Canes still trying.
Guentzel slotted in on the Hurricanes' top line beside Sebastian Aho after his midseason trade acquisition from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He recorded 25 points in 17 regular season games, and nine in 11 playoff contests.
The winger is due for a raise from his previous $6 million AAV deal, and The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta reported earlier this month that he is "expected to test free agency."
Guentzel has also been connected to the Vancouver Canucks, as well as a potential reunion with Sidney Crosby and the Penguins, per the Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli and The Athletic's Josh Yohe.
The veteran winger, who turns 30 in October, said in May he would like to "sign here long term" in Raleigh.
"This team for sure can win the Stanley Cup," Guentzel said after the Hurricanes were eliminated from the second round by the New York Rangers, per NHL.com's Kurt Dusterberg. "I think it's right there. This puts you in a good spot to do that. I want to do that more than anything, and that's all I care about. That definitely plays a factor into it. Hopefully you can kind of get some stability and be able to sign here long term."
But with a host of other pending free agents to consider, including Tuevo Teravainen, Brett Pesce and Brady Skjei, the Hurricanes may not have the cap space to make Guentzel a higher offer than what he could find on the open market.
Despite being sidelined for almost a month with a rib injury, Guentzel's 77 total points in 67 games of the 2023-24 regular season rank third among all pending free agents. That could net him offers north of $8 million per year in free agency.
Guentzel made his NHL debut in 2015 and went on to help the Penguins win two Stanley Cups during his first two seasons. He has recorded 491 points in 520 regular-season games, and 67 points in 69 career playoff contests.
After spending the majority of eight seasons on Crosby's wing and clicking with Aho during the Canes' playoff push, Guentzel has proven he can provide consistent scoring on a team's top line. That valuable position could make it expensive for the Hurricanes to secure a long-term commitment from Guentzel before he tests out free agency.
Kaapo Kakko, Rangers Reach 1-Year, $2.4M Contract Extension Ahead of NHL Free Agency
Jun 13, 2024
SUNRISE, FL - MAY 26: New York Rangers right wing Kaapo Kakko (24) fixes his helmet strap in the second period during game three of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers on Sunday, May 26, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
New York Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko agreed to a one-year contract extension with the team worth $2.4 million on Thursday, according to Peter Baugh of The Athletic.
Kakko was originally a pending restricted free agent prior to the deal. The 23-year-old recorded 13 goals and six assists in 61 games with New York throughout the 2023-24 season.
He struggled during the Rangers' loss to the Florida Panthers in the 2024 NHL Eastern Conference Finals, as he failed to record a point in each of his five appearances.
He didn't play in all six games of the series, as he was a healthy scratch in Game 2.
After setting career-high marks in 2023 with 18 goals and 40 points, his 2024 production was a bit of a letdown. He missed 21 games early in the season due to a lower-body injury after racking up just two goals and one assist in his first 20 appearances of the year.
TSN's Darren Dreger reported that Rangers general manager Chris Drury was "taking calls" on Kakko ahead of the March 8 trade deadline, although a deal never materialized.
Despite his recent struggles and his involvement in trade rumors, the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry draft still enjoyed his time with New York and expressed his desire to remain with the team when speaking to reporters on June 4.
"We'll see, but I like all the things here," Kakko said, per Larry Brooks of the New York Post. "The team's great, everyone wants to win, I feel there's a chance to win. It is going to be the same thing next season, so I like it here."
While his one-year extension doesn't completely rule out a trade moving forward, Kakko will have a chance to make it through the 2024-25 season without any injury issues and build upon his promising 2022-23 campaign with the Blueshirts.
