NHL Rumors: Cowan Out, Connor, Ekholm, Eichel trades, plus Roslovic news – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors
Among today’s NHL rumors are the Winnipeg Jets signing Kyle Connor, the Vegas Golden Knights closing in on Jack Eichel, and the Edmonton Oilers offering Mattias Eklholm a new contract. How do all these deals come together, and who might be next? Could it be UFA Jack Roslovic? Finally, despite a stellar preseason, Easton Cowan won’t be in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup on opening night.
Easton Cowan scratches maple leaves
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed that rookie forward Easton Cowan will scratch tonight’s season opener between the Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. This comes as a bit of a surprise considering Cowan has received praise during preseason and is trending towards a spot in the opening-day lineup.
“He’s with us and we’re happy about that. He’s here.”
Eichel’s deal is close to Las Vegas
Pierre Lebrun, TSN Reports say the Vegas Golden Knights and Jack EichelFinish. Eichel doesn’t want to go anywhere, and the two sides are looking at an eight-year contract.
LeBrun noted: “At the same time, they just have to get to the appropriate average annual value. I’m told, Kaprizov’s trade, McDavid’s trade, McDavid’s trade, it’s not a huge impact of this conversation. They’re focused on where they need to go and both parties want to do something at some point.”
Eichel’s trade was important to the Golden Knights, who signed him before the season started. There’s still time, as the Golden Knights play the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night.
Kyle Connor vs. Jets
The Winnipeg Jets have put the finishing touches on a record-setting extension for star winger Kyle Connor, which is reportedly valued at $96 million ($12 million AAV) over eight years.
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Earlier reports from Chris Johnston proposed a seven-year deal for $12.75 million, but the two sides are believed to have settled on an eight-year deal. TSN’s Darren Dreger reports: “Salary $55 million. Signing bonus $410 over 8 years.”
Ekholm Inks joins Oilers in new short-term deal
The Edmonton Oilers have announced a three-year extension for Mattias Ekholm after Connor McDavid and Jake Walman both re-signed with the organization. Ekholm’s new contract includes an inorganic clause and a $2 million signing bonus in the first year, paired with his base salary. He will hold a base salary of $4 million each season for the next two years.
The deal keeps the top-tier Blueliner in Edmonton for the next four seasons and provides the player with safety and a manageable cap plan for the Oilers. Essentially, Wollman and Ekhall traded blocks when taking into account the rising salary cap. This season, they account for 9.8% of the $95.5 million payroll. Next season, they will account for 10.5% of the $104 million cap hit.
Jack Roslovic is still skating in Columbus
Reports from multiple sources indicate that Jack Roslovic continues to skate in Columbus blue, even as rumors swirl about his future. Several teams were reportedly eyeing the potential opportunity to acquire him, but for some reason, a trade has yet to materialize. He had some real offers in the offseason, but those have disappeared.
Roslovic reportedly won’t end up at the asking price every season and will wait until a team comes to him and reaches a point where he’s comfortable. After 22 goals, guess he knows what his worth is.
Chris Johnston said, “…as time went on, interest began to slow down. He remained patient and held on to his belief in his own worth.”
Among the teams reportedly interested is the Minnesota Wild. Johnston added. “I think what happened to Roslovic was just a matter of time.”
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