NHL Rumors: Stars, Oilers, Predators, Bruins – Hockey Writers – Boston Bruins

In today's NHL rumor game, how will Matty Beniers' new contract affect several players from the Dallas Stars? Meanwhile, rumors this week that Tyson Barrie may be on the Edmonton Oilers' radar are welcome news for Barrie. Barry Trotz points out that the Nashville Predators traded Yaroslav Askarov after the trade request went public. Finally, what are the latest talks between the Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman?

What does the Beniers Deal mean for Johnston and Stankoven?

Adam Proteau of Hockey News recently discussed how Matty Beniers' new seven-year contract with the Seattle Kraken could affect the Dallas Stars' negotiations with young forwards Wyatt Johnston and Logan Stankoven. All three players were selected in the 2021 NHL Draft and Beniers recently signed a new contract with an annual salary of $7.14 million.

Johnston has one season left on his deal and had a solid 2023-24 season with 32 goals and 65 points, compared to Beniers' 15 goals and 37 points. It seems low, but Proteau speculates that Johnston could get a five- or six-year deal worth $5-6 million a year, given Texas' lack of a state income tax.

Stankoven, who has two years left on his contract, is not in the same number but could have a season to start in 2024-25. The Stars will have significant cap space in 2025-26 given that Jamie Benn's contract is up, but the club could choose deals to match Tyler Seguin's contract, which also comes off the books in 2027.

Barrie Would Welcome Oilers Return

Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal writes that speculation that the Oilers may be considering the return of Tyson Barrie is accurate. He thinks there might be something to these rumors. You write:

I firmly believe there is smoke there is fire for Oiler Tyson Barrie who could return to Edmonton for a value contract. Barrie spends a lot of time out here on the beach very close to where I am. It's no secret that Barrie loved being an Oiler, never wanted to leave, and would definitely accept an invitation. And there is an explosion in the snow.

source – 'Placing some blame for Edmonton Oilers loss to Broberg, Holloway: 9 Things' – Kurt Leavins – Edmonton Journal – 08/25.2024

The fact that Barrie hasn't signed a contract with anyone is surprising, so the contract for the amount Leavins is talking about could be a PTO. Leavins admitted that Oilers GM Stan Bowman will also look at other options such as Justin Schultz and Kevin Shattenkirk. The author says, “Barrie was the one who could have been chosen out of the three. But I will admit that all three are third D men at this point in their careers. “

Raptors Didn't Like How Askarov Handled Trade Request

Predators GM Barry Trotz told 102.5 The Game that Askarov's handling of his trade request contributed to the team's decision to move him this offseason. Trotz said he wants trade negotiations to be private and to conduct business differently than the way things are handled.

Related: 2024-25 NHL Season Preview

Trotz also told The Tennessean that he had “private trade talks” with Askarov who agreed to keep the talks out of the media. He turned around and made public statements after their conversation. Trotz noted, “(Askarov) said he would be a 'good soldier'… and then he came out and said he didn't care about that.”

Neely Confident Deal Will Be Done With Swayman

Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman has not yet been signed, but Bruins President Cam Neely says he is hopeful the deal will go through. He told 100.7 WZLX, “Not every conversation is as smooth as you would like it to be. … But I have full confidence that both sides will reach an agreement.” On “The Rich Shertenlieb Show”, Neely said there was “no question” they would find something to agree on.

As for why the Bruins traded for Linus Ullmark and kept Swayman, Neely noted:

“He is there [Swayman] he was very confident. … So we thought we'd ride with Jeremy. Linus has done a lot for the organization both on and off the ice. He is a great person. But we felt we probably wouldn't re-sign him (after 2024-25). So it was better to remove him.”

source – 'Bruins president: 'No question' deal is done with Jeremy Swayman' – Masslive.com – Lauren Campbell – 08/22/2024