On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Satchel Price of the Chicago Sun-Times: The salary cap ceiling hasn’t been set yet, but it appears that Chicago Blackhawks will have a little more cap flexibility that they’ve been accustomed to having.
GM Stan Bowman knows they have to keep in mind that players like Alex DeBrincat and Nick Schmaltz will need new deals in the near future.
“Knowing that’s on the horizon, you have to be prudent with what you do with your money this summer,” Bowman said.” It might be looking at some shorter-term contracts for some free agents.”
Heading into the offseason the Blackhawks currently have $68.72 million committed to 17 players – eight forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies. Those numbers include Marian Hossa, who can be placed on the LTIR.
RFAs who need new deals include Vinnie Hinostroza, Anthony Duclair and John Hayden. That would put the Blackhawks up to 11 forwards and wouldn’t add a lot to their cap number.
Artem Anisimov carries a $4.55 million salary cap hit and a no-movement clause, but it turns to a partial no-trade on July 1st.
On the Arizona Coyotes and Oliver Ekman-Larsson …
Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports: The 26-year old Oliver Ekman-Larsson is eligible to sign a contract extension after July 1st, and he hopes to figure something out.
The Coyotes are able to offer Ekman-Larsson an eight-year deal, but it’s not known how high the Coyotes will be able to go. They have their budget constraints and in the near future will have six regulars coming off their entry-level deals.
If they don’t have a deal in place by the draft, the Coyotes could be forced to move as opposed to losing him for nothing after next season.
Kevin Epp, Larsson’s agent, has said the sides have held positive talks.
“I’ve had numerous conversations with John the last few months on all the players,” said Epp, who also represents Raanta and defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson. “I think it’s all going to just have to take the course and path it’s going to take. Everybody feels good about the way the organization is going right now and the direction of ownership and the direction of the team and its success.”
