NHL rumors: Maple Leafs, Senators, Oilers, Canadiens – Hockey Writers – Uncategorized

In today's NHL rumor mill, the Toronto Maple Leafs are talking to John Tavares about extending his contract and one insider suggests there is an interesting option on the table. Meanwhile, there is more talk about potential trade options for the Ottawa Senators and Josh Norris' name keeps coming up. Finally, is Mike Matheson a good fit for the Edmonton Oilers?

Tavares and Maple Leafs Considering Deferred Pay Extension?

The Athletic's Chris Johnston reports that contract negotiations between the Maple Leafs and Tavares' agent, Pat Brisson, have been ongoing and the two sides continue to explore different ways to keep the former captain on the roster next season. Johnston dismissed the idea that a deferred payment structure, similar to the Leafs' recent extension for Jake McCabe, would be viable.

Johnston explained:

Given the implications of the game, it would not be surprising if teams reach a point where some of the money is deferred over the life of the next contract. The Leafs used that approach to lower the cap on Jake McCabe's latest extension and both sides of the conversation are believed to be open to exploring the same type of structure for Tavares.”

source – 'John Tavares is off to a strong start for the Maple Leafs. Are you going to live in Toronto?' – Chris Johnston – The Athletic – 11/28/2024

These types of deals are rare in the NHL, but for Tavares, it could work. Given that he wants to stay, has made big money, and only has a few seasons left in his NHL career, he won't have to wait that long to see the cash he's putting aside.

Are the Senators Dangling Josh Norris in trade talks?

According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff Live, the Ottawa Senators are internally discussing the idea of ​​shedding their young core, with 25-year-old center Josh Norris emerging as the most likely trade.

He commented:

“I was told over the weekend that during the discussions the Sens had last week to 10 days, about shaking that core, one of the names that came up was Josh Norris. Look, he has a lot of years left on his contract – five after this one. Injury history is certainly important, but if you're going to start making changes, you need to start attacking the core that's been there for a long time without success. And Norris is going to be one of those guys that jumps to the top of the page. “

Seravalli suggested the New York Rangers might be worth a trade.

Luke Gazdic Touts Mike Matheson as Oilers Fix

Sportsnet analyst and former Edmonton Oilers tight end Luke Gazdic addressed the team's blue line issues when it came to Kyper and Bourne. Gazdic was asked if the Oilers blue line is strong enough to win. He replied that, as it is, he does not believe it is so. Gazdic emphasized that the team needs a skilled defender in the top four who can push the game and defend effectively.

He added that the Oilers rely on three players to do the work of one, so he suggested Mike Matheson of the Montreal Canadiens as a player who will be able to keep up with what they want. “I just think they could use someone else to play in pairs, behind Bouch and Eklhom, who can drive the game a little bit, expose the game, create offense, and be able to defend.”

This doesn't mean the Oilers have talked to the Canadiens, but many defensemen have been linked to the Oilers, what else?