On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Chris Nichols: Blackhawks winger Artemi Panarin will be an RFA at the end of the season: Bob McKenzie “He’s going to be looking for Johnny Gaudreau-type money on a long-term deal.”
On Las Vegas …
Alex Prewitt: The Las Vegas franchise is now targeting November 22nd to unveil their team name. Officials added that it’s “still in pencil.”
On the San Jose Sharks …
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Bob McKenzie was on NBC SN talking about the about the contract status of San Jose Sharks Joe Thornton and Brent Burns. Both are entering the final season of their contracts. McKenzie responding to if he sees their contract situations hanging over the team.
“In the case of Joe Thornton, not at all,” said McKenzie. “Joe Thornton has been on a series of three-year contracts. He’s had four consecutive three-year contracts. He’s got special status with San Jose Sharks owner Hasso Plattner and general manager Doug Wilson, especially after going to the Cup Final last year. When Joe says he wants another three-year deal – even though he’s 37 years old – they’re just going to say, ‘Here. Fill this in. Let’s get it done.’ It’s not going to be a problem. When Joe wants a contract, Joe will get a contract.
“As for Brent Burns, all signs point to wanting to be back in San Jose. But his agent Ron Salcer and Doug Wilson did have some preliminary discussion this summer, but they never really negotiated at all. So this looks like it might be more of a slow play situation. Burns say he wants to be back in San Jose. And if Thornton is going to be there, that’s the first big step toward getting the big defenseman back. But, I think at this point, all options remain on the table. Which is not to suggest he’s not coming back to San Jose – only to suggest nothing’s been carved in stone one way or the other.”
