On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
TSN: Bob McKenzie on TSN’s Insider Trading said that Auston Matthews leaving CAA for the Orr-Wasserman group probably don’t affect a contract extension that much. Jeff Jackson and Judd Moldaver of Orr-Wasserman worked together on Connor McDavid‘s extension.
“The critical questions this summer are going to be, both for Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, are they going to do their deals this summer or they going to wait until their entry-level deals expire a year from now? That’s question number one. Question number two, specifically for Matthews, is he going to sign an eight-year extension, the maximum allowed, or is he going to look for something a little shorter, maybe five years? Those questions obviously have yet to be answered.”
On the Washington Capitals …
TSN: Pierre LeBrun on TSN’s Insider Trading said that the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders are interested in Capitals backup goalie Philipp Grubaur. The Capitals won’t be able to afford the pending RFA.
There hasn’t been in talks between the Capitals and pending UFA coach Barry Trotz. Trotz’s currently making $1.5 million and he’ll be looking for a big raise.
Darren Dreger adds that the Capitals had a chance to extend Trotz and didn’t.
“… why wouldn’t Barry Trotz consider, say, the Islanders’ opportunity under the leadership of Lou Lamoriello? Now, that could be an option, provided, John Tavares stays with the Islanders. If he doesn’t, maybe Lamoriello looks at a Scott Stevens or D.J. Smith or someone else.”
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
TSN: Pierre LeBrun on TSN’s Insider Trading said around 12 teams have contacted the Hurricanes about Jeff Skinner, who could be the first player they trade.
“The Carolina Hurricanes asked for a first-round pick and a prospect for Skinner, but in the meantime they’re also listening on defenceman Justin Faulk and to some degree, young defenceman Noah Hanifin.”
On the Los Angeles Kings …
TSN: Bob McKenzie on TSN’s Insider Trading said that there haven’t been any contract negotiations between the Kings and Drew Doughty, but the sides are expected to do so in mid-June. Doughty could be doing the deal himself and not use an agent.