NHL Rumors: Red Wings, Stars, Blue Jackets, Devils – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today's round of NHL rumors, what's the latest on the Detroit Red Wings and their talks with Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider? Meanwhile, what happens as the Dallas Stars try to make a deal with Thomas Harley? There has been no action in forward Patrik Laine's trade, and former New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod has signed with the KHL.

The latest on Red Wings Talks With Seider and Raymond

Sportsnet's Luke Fox took a closer look at the two biggest RFA names in Detroit and gave an update on both Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond. In Seiders' case, noting that rebuilding teams don't hesitate to protect their young defensemen, something may be on the horizon. Meanwhile, Yzerman's view of Lucas Raymond's contract may be different.

Fox cited Ottawa's eight-year, $64.4 million contract for Jake Sanderson and Buffalo deals for Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power as trends the Red Wings will follow when it comes to Seider. He's proposing a near-eight-year extension that would make Seider the team's highest-paid defenseman. An average annual value (AAV) of around $8.6 million is expected, making him just under captain Dylan Larkin at $8.7 million.

As for Raymond, a mid-term contract may be more likely. Citing Alex DeBrincat's four-year, $7.875 million contract as a comparison, Raymond could get a shorter commitment. Yzerman acknowledged the trend toward shorter contracts, balancing the risk of losing player control with the uncertainty of long-term deals. Raymond, however, may be more open to a long-term extension.

“I love this team, I love the city, and I want to be here,” insisted Raymond.

Stars Taking Their Time With Harley?

Fox also noted that the Dallas Stars' minor overhaul of Thomas Harley has become a major issue this season as they head into the Western Conference finals. GM Jim Nill may fire Harley, similar to how he handled Jason Robertson, as Harley has only one full NHL season and no arbitration power.

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With veterans Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell already signed through 2024-25, and the additions of Matt Dumba and Ilya Lyubushkin to replace Ryan Suter and Chris Tanev, getting Harley locked up would give the Stars a deep and balanced blue line. Fox pointed out that Nill gambled on John Klingberg by signing him early to a long-term deal and paid him for his best seasons in Dallas. He might make the same bet on Harley.

Not Much Trade Interest in Patrik Laine

Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch quoted Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell as saying it was a slow trade market for Patrik Laine. So far, only one team has expressed interest in the 26-year-old player. Waddell isn't surprised, noting that this could take some time given the stage of the offseason. He noted, “If I wanted to eat half I would trade him now, but that's not my first choice.”

Laine requested a trade this spring and recently came out of the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, allowing Waddell to discuss trade opportunities with him. There has been a lot of attention on the trade concept from fans and news reporters trying to predict the perfect landing spot, but there are several factors that make a trade for Laine difficult.

Most notably, Laine's contract is a significant cap hit, with an average value of $8 million per year through 2025-26 and a 10-team no-trade list.

Michael McLeod Signing in the KHL

Free-agent center Michael McLeod has signed a one-year contract with Barys Astana of Kazakhstan's Kontinental Hockey League, the team announced. The former Devil is one of five players awaiting trial in connection with allegations of sexual abuse involving members of Canada's junior men's national team in 2018.

McLeod is the second of five players charged with signing with KHL clubs as Dillon Dube signed with Belarus-based Dinamo Minsk on July 1.