Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period discussed potential contract extensions for rising NHL stars Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard on Sirius XM NHL Network Power Play. With the salary cap projected to increase significantly, these young talents are poised to secure lucrative deals.
Pagnotta noted the substantial cap increases expected, rising from $104 million to an estimated $113.5 million and potentially around $120-124 million within two years. This influx of money will significantly impact player contracts.
For Connor Bedard, Pagnotta anticipates a mid-term, possibly four or five-year extension. Given his talent and age, a contract averaging around $12 million per season, or even higher, seems plausible. This would extend his deal into his final year of restricted free agency status.
Macklin Celebrini, still with two years remaining on his entry-level contract, is also expected to be a focal point for contract talks, likely beginning this summer. Pagnotta suggests Celebrini could command an even higher average annual value than Bedard. Teams generally prefer to lock up such cornerstone players for as long as possible, while players aim for a balance of security and maximizing their future earning potential based on their career trajectory.
Beyond Chicago and San Jose, the Anaheim Ducks also have young talent needing new deals. Cutter Gauthier, who just achieved a 40-goal season, is a prime candidate. Other promising Ducks, including Leo Carlsson and a young defenseman, will also require new contracts. Pagnotta predicts the Ducks will be a significant player in the contract market, potentially offering similar mid-term, high-value extensions that could see their players earning substantial figures.
In summary, with the rising salary cap, expect significant contract extensions for players like Bedard, Celebrini, Gauthier, and Carlsson, likely involving four to five-year deals at high annual values, setting the stage for increased player earnings across the league.
English Translation:
Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period discussed potential contract extensions for rising NHL stars Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard on Sirius XM NHL Network Power Play. With the salary cap projected to increase significantly, these young talents are poised to secure lucrative deals.
Pagnotta noted the substantial cap increases expected, rising from $104 million to an estimated $113.5 million and potentially around $120-124 million within two years. This influx of money will significantly impact player contracts.
For Connor Bedard, Pagnotta anticipates a mid-term, possibly four or five-year extension. Given his talent and age, a contract averaging around $12 million per season, or even higher, seems plausible. This would extend his deal into his final year of restricted free agency status.
Macklin Celebrini, still with two years remaining on his entry-level contract, is also expected to be a focal point for contract talks, likely beginning this summer. Pagnotta suggests Celebrini could command an even higher average annual value than Bedard. Teams generally prefer to lock up such cornerstone players for as long as possible, while players aim for a balance of security and maximizing their future earning potential based on their career trajectory.
Beyond Chicago and San Jose, the Anaheim Ducks also have young talent needing new deals. Cutter Gauthier, who just achieved a 40-goal season, is a prime candidate. Other promising Ducks, including Leo Carlsson and a young defenseman, will also require new contracts. Pagnotta predicts the Ducks will be a significant player in the contract market, potentially offering similar mid-term, high-value extensions that could see their players earning substantial figures.
In summary, with the rising salary cap, expect significant contract extensions for players like Bedard, Celebrini, Gauthier, and Carlsson, likely involving four to five-year deals at high annual values, setting the stage for increased player earnings across the league.
