LeBrun on Matthews and Panarin
TSN Insider Trading: Pierre LeBrun on where Auston Matthews could be on his next deal.
“The bottom line I think it’s going to be $12.5 million, is the kind of ball park of what you’re looking at right now when he eventually signs over the next 12 months. And I know a lot of people are going to hear $12.5 million, which is Connor McDavid’s salary, how does that make any sense, McDavid is the best player in the world. Yes he is, but he signed that deal two years ago.”
LeBrun continues that McDavid signed for 16.6 percent of the salary cap. If the cap goes up to $82 million and Matthews signs for $12.5 million, that is 15.2 percent of the cap.
Pierre LeBrun answered the about what the Columbus Blue Jackets will do with forward Artemi Panarin as it appears that he wants to test free agency.
“Well if that’s not bad enough because it shocked the organization in the summer, my understanding is that he doesn’t want to sign with anyone, period, during this season.
In other words, if and when he gets traded, he will be traded as a rental which will greatly diminish the return for him, compared to if he would be gone in a trade like Max Pacioretty, who signed an extension with Vegas which gave the Montreal Canadiens a greater return.
Sounds like instead it will be like Erik Karlsson leaving Ottawa, which hurts your return if you’re Columbus.”
Nylander’s asking price not coming down
TSN: Insider Darren Dreger said that William Nylander‘s agent Lewis Gross hasn’t come down from his initial asking price of over $8 million per season on a long-term contract. Dreger continued that if he doesn’t come down in price, the Toronto Maple Leafs may have to start considering trading Nylander.
“And obviously the Nylander fight continues with the Toronto Maple Leafs and our information suggests that Nylander to date is not willing to come off the number of $8-plus million per year so that makes it pretty easy for Kyle Dubas and the Toronto Maple Leafs to continue their position to dig in,” Dreger said Thursday on Insider Trading. “Last week, talked about the possibility of teams calling. Teams have been calling no doubt, inquiring about Willie Nylander, is he available?
“The Leafs are saying he’s not available, but if this drags into early November, they’re at least going to have to think about it.”