In immediately’s NHL rumor rundown, there are updates on Chris Kunitz in Chicago and whether or not or not he’ll maintain taking part in whereas the Vancouver Canucks must make a few necessary choices on two pretty key gamers.
Kunitz Calling it Quits?
Chicago Blackhawks winger Chris Kunitz has but to resolve whether or not or not he desires to play one other NHL, notes Charlie Roumeliotis of NBC Sports activities Chicago. At his age and lack of manufacturing, retirement would possibly make sense.
Chris Kunitz has misplaced a step this season. May he be out there for commerce? (Picture Credit score: Andy Martin Jr)
At 39 years outdated, Kunitz didn’t play a lot this season for the Blackhawks and picked up solely 10 factors in 55 video games. Except he can discover a workforce that can give him greater than 9 minutes per night time, he would probably wish to transfer to a positive factor so far as a playoff contending workforce go. He does have a historical past of offering offense within the postseason and has received 4 Stanley Cups.
There could also be groups excited by him this summer time if he decides that he desires to maintain taking part in however he received’t see a lot on a rise on his $1 million wage ought to he select to maintain going.
Associated: NHL Rumors: Krug, Kessel, Wild, Extra
Edler Desires a No-Transfer Clause in Vancouver?
It’s clear Alex Edler desires to stay with the Vancouver Canucks. He refused to waive his no-trade clause previous to this 12 months’s NHL Commerce Deadline and Canucks didn’t actually push him to. That stated, Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre means that there’ll probably be one important hurdle that must be cleared for the pending UFA to stay with the workforce.
Alexander Edler, Vancouver Canucks, Nov. 21, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
The difficulty between the Canucks and Edler most likely received’t come right down to a matter of cash or time period however whether or not or not GM Jim Benning’s contains one other no-move clause.
As a result of Edler invoked his no-trade clause this season, Benning may not wish to get right into a state of affairs the place he can’t commerce the participant ought to he must. The expectation is that Edler wouldn’t waive if requested. With the Seattle enlargement draft now two years away, the chances of him declining to go up much more and the results of not having choices for the Canucks grow to be better.
Edler would wish to guarantee he’s protected for the draft in order to not get plucked by Seattle. It’s anticipated discussions on an extension for Edler ought to choose up once more within the coming weeks.
Associated: NHL Rumors: Karlsson, Gardiner, Williams, Flyers Extra
Brock Boeser Desires His Cash
Nonetheless with the Canucks,Postmedia’s Ed Willes speculates that winger Brock Boeser’s might be asking for round $6 million per season on a brand new deal popping out of restricted free company. With 55 factors in 68 video games, that is the second time he’s reached this mark.
Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks, Nov. 21, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Sometimes a participant like this is able to be value this sort of cash and doubtless extra in immediately’s NHL wage construction however the trick for Vancouver is to attempt to predict how he’ll address accidents, which so far, have hampered his brief tenure within the NHL. battled a number of groin points all through the season as properly.
It’s the accidents at solely 22 years outdated which may maintain him from making what he might in any other case make.
Associated: NHL Rumors: Turris, Schuldt, Dubinsky, Extra
Luongo Comfortable to Function Backup in Florida
The Athletic’s George Richards bought the sense from speaking to Roberto Luongo not too long ago that he believes he’s not fairly able to name it a profession within the NHL. His sport is in decline and accidents are definitely a difficulty however Luongo appears accepting of the concept of taking part in a backup position subsequent season and probably past if wanted.
Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo (AP Picture/Jose Juarez)
Richards writes:
Luongo nonetheless has three years left on the 12-year deal he signed in Vancouver and there might be wage cap implications for each the Panthers and Canucks if he retires earlier than the contract expires when he’s 43.He has stated that if he didn’t really feel he might play at a excessive stage, he would dangle them up. That has not been the case of late.supply – ‘Is Saturday the top for Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo? Perhaps, however most likely not’ – The Athletic – George Richards – 04/05/2019
Take heed to the Newest Episode of the Hockey Writers Podcast
On this episode we take a look at what quite a lot of groups who missed the NHL playoffs this 12 months will do over the summer time. The Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Anaheim Geese, LA Kings and others had been anticipated to have higher seasons. Can they repair their issues?
