NHL Rumors: LA Kings, New Jersey Devils, and Top UFAs

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty has stated that there have been no contract extension talks with the team. Doughty expressed his desire to finish his career with the Kings and would pursue an extension if the opportunity arises.

“There’s been absolutely no conversation about it. I want to stay here. I would hope that the Kings want me to stay here too. If they approach me to get something done, I’m going to get it done,” Doughty said.

New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier is eligible for a contract extension starting July 1st, and it is expected to be a priority for new General Manager Sunny Mehta. Mehta and Hischier’s agent have already had an initial phone conversation, with further discussions anticipated.

Top 12 Pending NHL Unrestricted Free Agents

A breakdown of the top 12 NHL unrestricted free agents according to a Sportsnet report:

1. Alex Tuch (RW, Buffalo Sabres): Capable of scoring 35 goals with valuable intangibles. The Sabres should prioritize re-signing him, with a potential contract nearing Adrian Kempe’s $10.625 million.
2. Rasmus Andersson (RHD, Vegas Golden Knights): With less than $4 million in projected cap space, the Golden Knights may need to make roster adjustments to retain Andersson. He was a trade target for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins earlier in the season.
3. Darren Raddysh (RHD, Tampa Bay Lightning): Recorded 70 points while averaging 23 minutes per game. He could be seeking a deal similar to J.J. Moser’s four-year contract with a $6.75 million cap hit. The Maple Leafs are expected to be among the interested teams.
4. John Carlson (RHD, Anaheim Ducks): The Ducks acquired Carlson at the trade deadline and are reportedly interested in re-signing him. Some speculation suggests he might return to Washington.
5. Evgeni Malkin (C, Pittsburgh Penguins): Malkin has expressed his desire to remain with the Penguins. The decision rests with GM Kyle Dubas.
6. Charlie Coyle (C, Columbus Blue Jackets): The Blue Jackets have the necessary cap space and interest to re-sign Coyle. The question remains whether Coyle would prefer to test a free agent market that is lacking in centers.
7. Jacob Trouba (RHD, Anaheim Ducks): The Ducks face decisions on three veteran right-handed defensemen who are pending UFAs.
8. Anthony Mantha (RW/LW, Pittsburgh Penguins): Scored a career-high 33 goals, but his inconsistency may lead teams to be cautious about long-term commitments. His shooting percentage was 21.7%, significantly higher than his career average of 13.8%.
9. Bobby McMann (LW, Seattle Kraken): After being traded from the Maple Leafs, McMann contributed 10 goals and four assists in 18 games for the Kraken, fitting in well. No contract talks have occurred yet as the organization undergoes an audit.
10. Stuart Skinner (G, Pittsburgh Penguins): Considered the top goaltending prospect under 30.
11. Jaden Schwartz (LW, Seattle Kraken): Injuries impacted his performance last season, making his future with the Kraken uncertain.
12. Alex Ovechkin (LW, Washington Capitals): His decision to continue playing to pursue 1,000 career goals is pending. The Capitals are allowing Ovechkin the time and space to make his choice about returning for another year.

English Translation and Paraphrased Text

NHL Rumors: LA Kings, New Jersey Devils, and Top UFAs

The LA Kings and Drew Doughty’s camp have not engaged in any extension talks.

Los Angeles Kings pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Drew Doughty has revealed that no contract extension discussions have taken place between him and the team. He conveyed his wish to conclude his NHL career with the Kings if an offer is presented.

Doughty stated, “There’s been absolutely no conversation about it. I want to stay here. I would hope that the Kings want me to stay here too. If they approach me to get something done, I’m going to get it done.”

The New Jersey Devils and Nico Hischier’s camp have had an introductory call.

New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier becomes eligible for a contract extension after July 1st. This negotiation is expected to be a high priority on the agenda of new General Manager Sunny Mehta. Sources indicate that Mehta and Hischier’s agent have already held an initial phone conversation, and further discussions are planned.

Top 12 Pending NHL Unrestricted Free Agents

A review of the top 12 NHL unrestricted free agents has been compiled:

1. Alex Tuch – RW – Buffalo Sabres – He possesses the ability to score 35 goals and brings valuable intangible qualities. It would be ill-advised for the Sabres to let him leave. His potential new contract could command a salary comparable to Adrian Kempe’s $10.625 million or even exceed it.
2. Rasmus Andersson – RHD – Vegas Golden Knights – The Golden Knights currently project to have less than $4 million in cap space, which may necessitate roster moves if they intend to re-sign him. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins were reportedly interested in acquiring him via trade during the current season.
3. Darren Raddysh – RHD – Tampa Bay Lightning – He achieved 70 points this season while playing an average of 23 minutes per game. He could be seeking a contract similar to J.J. Moser’s four-year deal, which carries a $6.75 million cap hit. The Maple Leafs are anticipated to be among the clubs expressing interest.
4. John Carlson – RHD – Anaheim Ducks – The Ducks are reportedly keen on re-signing their trade deadline acquisition, for whom they surrendered a first and a third-round pick. There is speculation about a potential return to Washington for him.
5. Evgeni Malkin – C – Pittsburgh Penguins – He has expressed his desire to remain with the Penguins next season. The decision ultimately rests with General Manager Kyle Dubas.
6. Charlie Coyle – C – Columbus Blue Jackets – The team possesses sufficient cap space to re-sign him and has expressed interest. The question is whether Coyle would opt to test the free agency market, which is currently experiencing a shortage of centers.
7. Jacob Trouba – RHD – Anaheim Ducks – The Ducks have three veteran right-handed defensemen who are pending unrestricted free agents, presenting them with difficult decisions.
8. Anthony Mantha – RW/LW – Pittsburgh Penguins – He recorded a career-high 33 goals. However, his career has been marked by inconsistency, which might make teams hesitant to offer lengthy contracts. His shooting percentage this season was 21.7%, a significant increase from his career average of 13.8%.
9. Bobby McMann – LW – Seattle Kraken – He scored 10 goals and added four assists in 18 games for the Kraken after being traded from the Maple Leafs, fitting in seamlessly. No contract talks have occurred yet, as the team is conducting an organizational review.
10. Stuart Skinner – G – Pittsburgh Penguins – He is considered the top goaltending option available who is under the age of 30.
11. Jaden Schwartz – LW – Seattle Kraken – He dealt with injuries last season, and the Kraken may adopt a wait-and-see approach regarding his future.
12. Alex Ovechkin – LW – Washington Capitals – The question remains whether he will wish to continue playing to pursue the 1,000-goal mark. The Capitals are affording Ovechkin the time and space to decide if he wants to play another year.