Nikolaj Ehlers, who let the NHL free agency to begin without signing a contract, might decide his destination as early as Wednesday.
Ehlers made history by becoming one of the few elite players who chose to sit back and think about his choices rather than sign on the first day of free agency. Teams interested in signing the 29-year-old Danish player, who spent his first nine seasons with Winnipeg, including Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Washington.
“We’ve spoken with his agent,” Eric Tulsky, general manager of the Hurricanes, stated on Tuesday. He’s not responding to offers right away. We’re waiting to see where that goes, but it’s clear that he’s a highly popular person right now.
On Tuesday, Ehlers and his team watched as elder forward Mikael Granlund received $7 million a year from Anaheim, while fellow winger Brock Boeser re-signed in Vancouver for well over $50 million. Ehlers may be able to receive the most lucrative contract among players switching teams this summer due to the salary cap rising to a record $95.5 million and the dearth of elite quality.
Players like Jeff Skinner and Anthony Beauvillier, who might be part of a Plan B or C for those who don’t land their top pick, are most likely being held up by Ehlers’ unsigned status. Late Tuesday night, Andrew Mangiapane agreed to a two-year contract worth $7.2 million with Edmonton, the reigning Western Conference champions.
Curtis Lazar paid the league minimum of $775,000 to sign with the Oilers on Wednesday. Mangiapane is expected to play alongside Leon Draisaitl or Connor McDavid, according to general manager Stan Bowman.
Bowman stated, “We have been observing him for years and appreciate the contributions he can make in a variety of roles.” He can definitely score goals. In his career, he has done that with success.
Goaltenders Ilya Samsonov and Alexandar Georgiev, forwards Jack Roslovic and Mason Appleton, and defensemen Dmitry Orlov, Brent Burns, and Matt Grzelcyk are also still available.
San Jose general manager Mike Grier, who made several moves but still needs to spend more to reach the salary floor, stated that day one is always a little bit frantic and crazy. We’ll sort of see how things work themselves out. Things will calm down after Tuesday night, when teams will reorganize and assess the situation, and free agents will follow suit.
Nick Leddy, an experienced defenseman, was placed on waivers by St. Louis on Wednesday. Leddy’s deal has one year left on it, with a $4 million salary cap cost.
Although general manager Kevyn Adams stated he would match any offer sheet intended to entice 24-year-old Buffalo Sabres restricted free agent Bowen Byram to sign, it is unknown how much or how long he will sign. Another option is to trade Byram.
“I’ve remained steadfast in my belief that we’re open to any deal that makes sense for us and enhances our roster,” Adams stated. However, if there isn’t, we aren’t in a position where we need to take him out or relocate him for future plans, etc.
Pittsburgh signed Anthony Mantha for $2.5 million, New Jersey re-signed Cody Class for $5 million over the next two seasons, and the New York Rangers agreed to terms with Taylor Raddysh on a three-million dollar, two-year contract.
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This article was written by AP Sports Writer Aaron Beard of Raleigh, North Carolina, and AP Hockey Writer John Wawrow of Buffalo, New York.
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https://apnews.com/hub/nhl is the AP NHL.
