NHL Insiders Reveal Latest Trade Rumors
The NHL offseason might be over, but the rumor mill keeps churning.
Marner and Rantanen’s Contract Negotiations
Two superstar forwards are at the heart of early season buzz: Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche. Both players are eligible for extensions starting July 1, 2024. Pierre LeBrun believes that despite the looming possibility of free agency, both players will likely re-sign with their current teams.
The road to new deals won’t be easy. Both the Avalanche (with Nathan MacKinnon at $12.6 million annually) and the Leafs (Auston Matthews at $13.25 million) are conscious of internal salary caps. This belief isn’t bound by CBA rules but will likely feature in negotiations with Rantanen and Marner’s agents.
There are arguments on both sides. One key point: the salary cap is projected to rise significantly in the coming years. Additionally, Marner and Rantanen’s agents are likely to emphasize the leverage of percentage of the cap as opposed to the hard annual value.
Can the Leafs ink Marner for under $13 million? Can the Avalanche keep Rantanen under $12.6 million? The stakes are high; Rantanen believes he could command $14 million on the open market.
Tavares Extension Talks Utilize Deferred Compensation
Meanwhile, the Leafs are engaged in less complex negotiations with John Tavares. The captain is happy in Toronto and has no interest in testing free agency. However, reaching a comfortable deal for all parties is proving tricky.
One possibility gaining traction is deferred salary compensation. This strategy was recently employed by the Leafs with Jake McCabe and used by Carolina with a couple of players. Exploring this method could be key to reaching an extension with Tavares.
Flames Seeking a Top-Six Center
Out West, the Calgary Flames are actively scouting centers. Their quest is well-known, but they’re meticulously looking for a second-line center who fits their age profile and can contribute for the next three to five seasons.
Craig Conroy is leading the search, scouting the OHL while attending Nomad games. If the Flames remain competitive, expect them to be aggressive buyers at the March 7 trade deadline.
This desire for a center is echoed by other teams. Trading for a player at this position seems to be a growing trend leading up to the deadline.
Will Kakko be Traded by the Rangers?
The New York Rangers are attracting a lot of interest. While Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba have been the center of speculation, Kaapo Kakko’s name is surfacing. The Rangers aren’t actively shopping the 2nd overall pick from 2019, but ice time has been a concern.
Kakko might benefit from a fresh start, which could motivate trade talks. However, the Rangers will only consider offers that meet their specific needs.
NHL to Name Quarter-Century Teams
Looking ahead to 2025, the NHL is planning a
What salary cap strategies might the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche employ to retain both their star players while navigating the constraints of the NHL’s salary cap?
## NHL Insider Talks Contract Negotiations: Can Marner and Rantanen Stay Put?
**(Introductory music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! The NHL season is in full swing, but contract talk is already heating up. Joining us today to break down the latest rumors is NHL Insider, [Guest Name]. Thanks for being here!
**Guest:** Glad to be here!
**Host:** Let’s dive right in. Two big names on everyone’s mind are Mitch Marner of the Maple Leafs and Mikko Rantanen of the Avalanche. Both are eligible for extensions next year, and speculation is running wild. Pierre Lebrun believes they’ll both stay put. Do you agree?
**Guest:** I think it’s definitely possible. Both players seem happy with their current teams and have strong connections to their communities.
**Host:** But it won’t be easy, right? Both teams have big contracts already on the books, not to mention the ever-present salary cap.
**Guest:** Exactly. The Leafs have Matthews at over $13 million, and the Avalanche have MacKinnon at $12.6 million. Those are big numbers, and keeping Marner or Rantanen means navigating some tricky negotiations.
**Host:** So what are some potential sticking points?
**Guest:** Well, agents will definitely push for a percentage of the cap rather than a fixed dollar amount, especially considering the projected cap increase in coming years.
**Host:** Rantanen reportedly believes he could get $14 million on the open market. That puts a lot of pressure on the Avalanche, doesn’t it?
**Guest:** Absolutely. It’ll be a delicate balancing act for both teams. Can they keep their superstar players while maintaining financial flexibility? It’ll be fascinating to watch unfold.
**Host:** Definitely a situation to keep our eyes on. Thanks so much for your insights, [Guest Name].
**(Outro music)**
