On the Boston Bruins …
Kevin Paul Dupont: Think that Cam Fowler would be a perfect fit for the Bruins. He has two years left on his deal with a $4 million cap hit. Think it would take a package that includes Brandon Carlo and Danton Heinen.
On the Anaheim Ducks …
Julie Stewart-Binks: Richard Rakell’s agent on the contract status of the RFA forward: “we are not looking at things the same way,”
Eric Stephens: Rakell’s agent: “we are not any closer yet.”
Bob McKenzie: There is not a lot of urgency on a Rakell deal as he’s still not ready to play yet.
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Hampus Lindholm and Rickard Rakell remain in Sweden without contracts.
Claude Lemieux, Lindholm’s agent, said they have had some talks with the Ducks “but have not made any progress.”
Peter Wallen, Rakell’s agent, said they aren’t closer to a deal yet.
Head coach Randy Carlyle doesn’t think that it’s affecting the team.
“It hasn’t been a distraction,” Carlyle said. “Not one bit. I haven’t heard anybody say anything about when they’re coming or if they’re asking. I think these players understand those situations. A lot of them have been in the league before. Some of them have probably been involved in the same type of situation.”
The gap is believed to be closer between Rakell and the Ducks than with Lindholm.
The Sabres and Rasmus Ristolainen agreed on a six-year, $32.5 million deal yesterday, and Seth Jones has the same deal. The Ducks would use that as a comparable for Lindholm. Lemieux may have initially asked the Ducks for Aaron Ekblad numbers – eight years, $60 million – a $7.5 million cap hit.
The Ducks have $7.5 million in cap space and would like to get both under contract without having to move a significant piece in order to get under the cap ceiling.
The Ducks aren’t comfortable with giving Rakell $4 million a year based on his two years NHL experience and after a 20 goal, 23 assist season.