As coaching camps open throughout the NHL, a number of high-profile RFA contract negotiations stay unresolved, leaving conditions in Anaheim, Nashville, and New Jersey in a state of troubling uncertainty. Mason McTavish, Luke Evangelista, and Luke Hughes don’t have extensions executed and issues aren’t trying promising.
Earlier this week, Anaheim Geese ahead Mason McTavish returned residence to Ottawa after leaving California, an indication that no progress has been made on a brand new deal.
Nashville’s Luke Evangelista additionally departed camp, heading again to Oakville, Ontario.
In New Jersey, there may be “a gulf” dimension hole between Luke Hughes and the Devils, says NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on the newest episode of 32 Thoughts the podcast.
All three conditions are problematic and it doesn’t sound like solutions are coming anytime quickly.
RFAs and Their Brokers Are Holding Agency on New Contracts
Friedman appeared to recommend that there’s a want by agent and their purchasers to “maintain the road” in lots of respects because the wage cap will increase. These gamers are open to signing longer staff offers, however the cash has to make sense because the cap skyrockets over the subsequent few seasons. Nobody desires to be the participant who units the bar too low.
In Nashville, the state of affairs is especially tense. Stories recommend that Jack Quinn’s latest contract influenced discussions round Evangelista, making a wider hole between the 2 sides. Sources point out the Predators and Evangelista stay far aside, with no quick decision anticipated.
Negotiations between the Devils and defenseman Luke Hughes stay ongoing however have stalled. The 2 sides appear open to working one thing out, and probably the makings of a long-term deal are there, however the hole is giant and Hughes both desires his cash or desires his deal to finish at the very same time as his brother’s (Jack) does.
Brokers are keenly conscious {that a} greater share of the cap is out there, they usually’re pushing arduous for his or her purchasers to maximise their worth, probably holding out if needed.
With preseason video games underway and opening evening quick approaching, stress is mounting on golf equipment and gamers to bridge the gaps. Sadly, it’s trying increasingly more like these stalemates might last more than anticipated.
Subsequent: Why Disgruntled Blue Jacket a Good Match for McDavid and the Oilers
