Wild and Zucker agent to talk extension today …
Michael Russo of The Athletic: The Minnesota Wild and restricted free agent forward Jason Zucker continue to talk about a contract ahead of their Saturday arbitration hearing.
Zucker is believed to be looking for a new deal at over $6 million a season. The Wild are believed to be in the $5.25 to $5.75 million range – numbers for Nino Niederreiter and Mikael Granlund.
The sides may be wanting to get a deal done by tonight as they have to submit their arbitration numbers tomorrow.
They can still agree on an extension at anytime before the arbitrator makes his ruling.
Zucker’s agent Eustace King is expected to met with assistant GM Shep Harder and maybe GM Paul Fenton today.
No-trade protection may be one issue aside from term and money. Zucker has been in the rumor mill for awhile.
Is Trouba’s time in Winnipeg coming to an end?
Scott Billeck of NBC Sports: It’s good news for Jets that they Jacob Trouba under contract for this season, but what will happen after next season becomes a question.
Trouba is two years away from being a UFA and things seem to be pointing to his time coming to an end in Winnipeg.
This will likely be Trouba’s last season with the Jets before they’ll need to considering trading him for top value. They could look to move him now, but they need him this season to take a run at the Cup.
It’s not known what the issues exactly are as to why the sides haven’t be able to reach a long-term deal.
GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has held firm on his side of contract negotiation, and a player has every right to ask for much as he can, but what Trouba wants and what he’s worth may not be lining up.
It won’t be easy to replace Trouba if they move him after next season. Fellow right-handed defenseman Tyler Myers will be a UFA. They still have Dustin Byfuglien, but there is a drop off after that.
So any trade would require the Jets getting a comparable roster player or top-end defensive prospect.
Potential suitors include the New York Islanders, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins or maybe the Tampa Bay Lightning.
