NHL Rumors: Wild, Avalanche, Penguins, Sabres, Oilers – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today's NHL rumors, the Minnesota Wild have emerged as a team interested in Patrik Laine. Could the Colorado Avalanche trade after signing Oliver Kylington? Will Sidney Crosby sign a contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins tomorrow? Konsta Helenius, the Buffalo Sabres' recent first-round pick, is leaving Finland to play in Buffalo or Rochester next season. Finally, Stan Bowman gave an update on the status of contract negotiations with Leon Draisaitl.

Will the Wild play for Laine?

According to Michael Russo of The Athletic and Joe Smith, Wild GM Bill Guerin is expected to reach out to Patrik Laine to discuss his interest in playing in Minnesota. Recognizing that the team is looking for star power and to share the offensive responsibilities, they wrote:

Guerin is expected to reach out to Laine sometime soon to assess how he feels mentally and physically and whether he is interested in playing for the Wild.

source – 'Patrik Laine to the Wild may be a no-brainer, but making it work is a head-scratcher' – Joe Smith and Michael Russo – The Athletic – 08/05/2024

They realize that the biggest obstacle is the lack of cap space. They wrote, “The Wild can't even afford the league's top two players, let alone Laine's $8.7 million.” The two writers also present Laine's injury history as a roadblock.

Can the Colorado Avalanche Clear a Defense?

The Avalanche deepened their blue line by signing 27-year-old defenseman Oliver Kylington to a one-year, $1.05 million contract on Monday. They now have a solid defense team with Erik Brannstrom and Calvin de Haan also as left backs signed to one-year deals. If Kylington wins a spot and plays well, how long will it be before the Avs decide to try to buy someone to add another forward?

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If the Avalanche don't want to keep their depth defensemen on the roster, each would need to clear waivers, so a trade would make more sense. Another could be trading for a high-priced defenseman to give the team some space they don't have.

Will Crosby Sign His Extension Tomorrow?

Several different writers are predicting that Wednesday could be the day for Penguins fans to watch news from Sidney Crosby. Tim Benz of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review mentioned the belief that Crosby will sign his contract extension on his birthday (Aug. 7). Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette also thinks the superstitious Crosby might choose his birthday to sign his extension.

On this week's “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden of 105.9 The X suggested that if Crosby doesn't sign on his birthday (after many thought he would sign on July 1), there may be reason to worry that the organization should. consider trading. He notes, “

“If he didn't sign, this is something that will be difficult for the whole year. It will drive him crazy, so he will sign a contract, just to avoid that. In fact, if he does not sign the contract, they must sell him this year.”

source – 'Madden Monday: Expect Sidney Crosby's contract soon – but if it doesn't happen this week we 'can start wondering' – Tim Benz – Trib Live – 08/05/2024

Sabers' Konsta Helenius Is Coming To North America

Konsta Helenius signed a rookie contract in the NHL this summer and will try to start his North American hockey career with the Buffalo Sabres. He is moving from Finland to take this opportunity in the off-season. He will not represent his SM league club, Tappara.

If he plays in the NHL next season, the base salary will be $885K. If the season is spent on the AHL side, it will be just over $85K, according to Finnish news outlet mtvuutiset.fi. Because he was selected in the first round, he does not need to be sent back to his Liiga team if the Sabers choose to give him minors.

Nothing wrong with Draisaitl, Bowman said

Oilers manager Stan Bowman confirmed this week that talks are continuing with Leon Draisaitl's camp regarding an extension. “I had a good conversation (with agent Mike Liut), and we're getting things started, and the timing of that will be what it will be,” the official told Derek Van Diest of NHL.com on Monday.

While there's not much to report, Bowman added, “I don't have an update on where or when that will be, but there's nothing bad to report.”