Lightning and Point’s camp to hold off on extension talks
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Bob McKenzie was on TSN 690 talking about Tampa Bay Lightning’s Brayden Point. Point is going to a restricted free agent after the season and the sides won’t talk about an extension until after the season.
There has been lots of talk about players in Toronto having to take a little less on their next deals, but it’s something that has already been going on in Tampa with Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Tyler Johnson and Victor Hedman.
“So when you get established guys on the team like Stamkos and Kucherov and Hedman taking a little bit less than what they could get if they were in free agency or so-called market value, then that’s sort of an example for Point to perhaps follow.
“And it allows a team like the Lightning to keep the group together and try to contend and try to win a Cup there.”
Joe Smith of The Athletic: The Tampa Bay Lightning have $67 million committed to just 13 players for next season. Brayden Point is a restricted free agent, with Yanni Gourde being an unrestricted free agent. Andrei Vasilevskiy will be needing a new deal after next season.
Point is not arbitration eligible and doesn’t have much leverage coming off his $686,677 entry-level deal. The Lighting could look at a bridge deal like they’ve done with Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov. A cost-certainty long-term deal is also an option.
Point’s agent Gerry Johannson met with the Lightning last Thursday and the sides agreed to hold off on any further extension talks until after the season.
Point’s camp will be paying attention to how things are going between the Maple Leafs and William Nylander.
“Point doesn’t have tons of leverage, as crazy as that sounds,” said one agent, who doesn’t represent the Lightning center. “Tampa, with their tax savings, will get him on a light deal.”
“Point could get $6-$7 million (on long term),” another agent said. “Bridge more like $5 million-plus-ish.”
Gourde is a bargain this year and could be looking for a big payday. He appreciates that the Lightning gave him a shot so that could play into things.
“For sure, Tampa likes Yanni, but nothing new for the moment,” agent Paul Corbeil said. “Only five games played. Will see in a few weeks.”
It’s not going to be easy for the Lightning to get him signed to a big deal.
There have been no contract talks between the Lightning and Vasilevskiy’s camp.
The Lightning’s blue line could have a different look next season with Anton Stralman, Braydon Coburn and Dan Girardi being free agents.
Ryan Callahan has another year left on his contract at a $5.8 million cap hit, and could be a trade or buyout candidate next offseason.
J.T. Miller signed a five-year deal at a $5.25 million salary hit this past offseason, doesn’t have his no-trade clause kick in until after the season. He’s been on the fourth line with Callahan and Cedric Paquette.