On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Luke Fox of Sportsnet: The 31-year old Tyler Bozak is entering the final year of his contract and could be one of the more coveted free agent centers if he hits the open market next July.
Bozak carries a $4.2 million salary cap hit and is eligible to sign an extension at any point, but there have been no talks with the Leafs.
“I haven’t been talking about any of that. That’s a long way away,” said Bozak at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club. “I’m focused on the season at hand and just want to play well.”
With the Maple Leafs needing to sign some of their youngsters in the next couple of years, Nazem Kadri signed through 2021-22, and with the potential William Nylander shift to center, Bozak’s future is somewhat cloudy.
Luke Fox: William Nylander said that he open to contract extension talks with the Maple Leafs during the season, but he’s leaving that up to his agent and GM Lou Lamoriello.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Helene St. James: Andreas Athanasiou has yet to take the KHL offer and would be surprised if he signed.
Helene St. James: GM Ken Holland is using NHL comparables and not negotiating against the KHL offer.
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Andreas Athanasiou has had a contract offer from Ak Bars of the KHL for around days now, but hasn’t signed it.
“This is a very important decision for Andreas and he (is) taking the necessary time to consider this options,” Darren Ferris, Athanasiou’s agent, said in a text to the Free Press on Saturday. “There is plenty of time before the season starts.”
Ak Bars offer is a one-year deal around $2.5 and $3 million, with the Red Wings offering a two-year deal at $1.9 million a year.