Torey Krug‘s postseason driving up his market value
Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now: Again, it is another one of those postseasons where a player raises his level of play at the right time. This time. Torey Krug is that player. Overall, the Boston defenseman now has two goals and 14 assists in 20 playoff contests. Krug performing the way he has causes Boston to think now. How much will they have to pay the defenseman?
Krug has done everything in these playoffs — from leader to physical presence to offensive thrust. His contract is a bargain basement $5.2 million for 2019-20. Now, that next deal will likely be $7 million plus AAV. The question becomes will it be Boston that pays that price? Krug wants to stay in Boston for what it is worth.
Milan Lucic and do not expect a compliance buy-out
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Apparently, negotiations are going so well that it looks like a compliance buy-out will be off the table for Milan Lucic. Honestly, Edmonton using it was slim anyway.
There still lies a chance that Lucic could be moved over the summer. After all, the winger still has a use as a physical presence and solid bottom-six player. Yes, the cost is steep but Edmonton could sweeten the deal — whether it be by retaining salary or another pick/player.
Is this the time Ivan Nalimov finally signs with Chicago?
Scott Powers of The Athletic: Chicago faces a complicated decision as Ivan Nalimov is finally ready to leave Russia. Will the Blackhawks sign the 25-year old prospect to an entry-level deal?
There exists an opening with Rockford of the AHL but Nalimov is truly high-risk and high-reward. Nalimov has issues on and off the ice. Alexis Gravel is also waiting in the wings for Chicago. He may sign for the 2020-21 campaign.
Nalimov is in a position where he does not hold much leverage, if at all. His 2018-19 season saw him drop to a backup role with Avangard. Chicago has options so it remains to be seen what happens next.