Matthews to be targeted with an offer sheet?
Sportsnet: Chris Johnston says that there is a feeling that Toronto Maple Leafs Auston Matthews could become a target for an offer sheet this offseason.
“When it comes to Auston Matthews, we’re looking at a different deadline, and that would be this coming July 1,” said Chris Johnston on Saturday’s Headlines on Hockey Night in Canada. “There is widespread feeling within the industry that Auston Matthews would be the rare player who would be targeted by an offer sheet.”
The last offer sheet was back in 2013 – Ryan O’Reilly.
The Maple Leafs still have lots of time to try and work out a deal with Matthews. There doesn’t appear to be any talks going on at the moment.
“There was some thought as well that Kyle Dubas will be anxious to work on a Matthews extension after that Nylander contract,” said Johnston. “Those talks did not pick up at all this week.”
Senators will likely want a decision from Duchene in the new year
Sportsnet: If the Ottawa Senators don’t think they can re-sign Matt Duchene by the trade deadline, they may have to trade him.
Duchene is out for at least two weeks. There have been some contract talks already.
“A few weeks ago there was actually some talk about maybe Duchene and Ottawa coming a little closer to a contract extension,” said Nick Kypreos on Saturday’s Headlines on Hockey Night in Canada. “I can tell you, no numbers were ever exchanged. But that won’t keep the Ottawa Senators from asking eventually what his intentions are.”
Kypreos adds that the Senators will likely want a hard decision from Duchene early in the new year.