NHL Rumors: Connor Bedard, Samuel Hlavaj, and Auston Matthews Contract Discussions

Connor Bedard Focused on Hockey, Not Contract Yet

Chicago Blackhawks pending restricted free agent Connor Bedard has stated that he hasn’t given his contract negotiations any thought this season. He expressed his desire to remain with the Blackhawks and is confident an agreement will be reached soon, with no concern if it takes another month.

Minnesota Wild Goaltender Samuel Hlavaj May Be on the Move

Michael Russo reports that the Minnesota Wild have permitted AHL goaltender Samuel Hlavaj to return to Slovakia to play for his national team. Hlavaj, a pending RFA, is reportedly expected to join a different organization next year.

Auston Matthews Likely to Stay in Toronto, Awaiting Organizational Plan

According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, Auston Matthews is inclined to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs, believing the past season was an anomaly and that the team will be competitive next year. While not explicitly stating he’ll be a Maple Leaf forever, Matthews is expected to carefully assess the front office’s direction and future plans before making a decision. His intentions may have been misinterpreted, as he is currently rehabbing a knee injury in Arizona following surgery.

Darren Dreger adds that key players on the Maple Leafs believe they can quickly rebound. They feel that with the addition of a few forwards with grit and competitive spirit, along with two puck-moving defensemen, the team can become highly competitive for the upcoming season. However, it’s also acknowledged that Matthews, William Nylander, and other top players will need to perform at a higher level than they did this past season.

Connor Bedard on Contract Talks

Chicago Blackhawks pending RFA Connor Bedard on contract talks: “Honestly, I haven’t thought about it once this year. I know I want to be here. We’ll get it done soon. I don’t think, if it’s not done in a month, there’s any worry.”

One Minnesota Wild Organization Goaltender Could Be on the Move

Michael Russo: The Minnesota Wild allowed AHL goaltender Samuel Hlavaj to return to Slovakia to join their National Team. Hlavaj is a pending RFA, and has a feeling that he’ll be joining another organization next year.

Auston Matthews Most Likely Wants to Stay in Toronto, but He’ll Want to Know What the Plan Is

TSN: Chris Johnston believes that Auston Matthews wants to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who said he thinks this past season was a one-off and they’ll be competitive next season.

“Of course, he didn’t come out and say outright, ‘I will be a Leaf, I want to be a Leaf, I’ll be here forever no matter what.’ I think Matthews, rightfully, is going to take his time to basically evaluate and see what happens at the top of the organization with the front office, what hirings are made, and what the plan is.

But I do think it’s been maybe taken and twisted a little bit too much elsewhere in terms of his intentions, because at this point, he’s headed back to Arizona. He’s rehabbing his knee injury after that hit from Radko Gudas and the subsequent surgery.”

Darren Dreger adds that the nucleus of the Leafs players believe that they can quickly turn things around.

“They think with the addition of a couple of forwards, guys with bite, some dogs who are willing to drag the group into the fight, and more importantly, some puck-moving defencemen – two would be great – added to the blue line that they can get real competitive real fast in time for next season. But they’re also going to need Matthews, William Nylander, and their top players to be better, obviously, than they were this season.”