With the start of NHL free agency less than one month away, the Vancouver Canucks face questions about several key players.
Two important names eligible to test the open market on July 1 are forward Elias Lindholm and defenceman Nikita Zadorov. On the latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said the Canucks have interest in keeping two players they acquired from the Calgary Flames in 2023-24, but it remains to be seen how negotiations will go in June.
With Lindholm, Friedman believes the Canucks are willing to offer a contract in the range of seven years with an average annual value of $7 million.
“I’m just not sure it’s going to get it done. I think the Canucks want this player,” Friedman said.
Friedman said he has heard Lindholm enjoyed his time in Vancouver after the big trade in late January. Though things didn’t go perfectly right away, Lindholm elevated his game in the playoffs as Vancouver took the Edmonton Oilers to a seventh game in the second round.
Zadorov, meanwhile, presents a different scenario.
“I believe Zadorov has a number and it might actually be a little less than he can get on the open market to stay in Vancouver,” Friedman said. “I don’t think Vancouver is far away from it, but I don’t think they’ve hit it.
“… I think Zadorov knows if he gets to the open market, he’s going to be happy with what’s out there, so it’s going to be up to the Canucks to get to the number he wants.”
Guentzel’s rights up for grabs
Another big name eligible for free agency on July 1 is Carolina Hurricanes forward Jake Guentzel, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins before the trade deadline.
Friedman said the Hurricanes are open to trading the rights to negotiate with Guentzel before July 1.
“I believe Carolina has let everybody know if you want to trade for his rights and have a chance to sign him (before free agency), it’s possible for a mid-round pick,” Friedman said. “I’m sure there’s a ton of interest. You’ve just got … to think you’re going to get him” signed to a long-term deal.
When it comes to Guentzel, Friedman said one team to keep an eye on is the Chicago Blackhawks.
“Someone said to me Chicago is starting to make noises like like they’d like to move things along a little bit here” with their rebuild, Friedman said. “I don’t think it’s impossible that Chicago is considering this. We’ll see where it all goes.”
It will take far more than a mid-round pick to acquire another Hurricanes forward, Martin Necas, who becomes a restricted free agent on July 1.
“Carolina is letting people know that this is not a middling picks and prospects trade,” Friedman said. “They consider Necas a really good player.”
Draft and cap updates
The Buffalo Sabres, flush with young talent but in the midst of a league-high 13-year playoff drought, are open to trading the 11th-overall pick in the June 28-29 NHL Draft, Friedman said.
“They’ve said if you are really interested in that pick and it’s something that will help us, we’ll do it,” Friedman said. “i think they’re really interested in another top-six forward. That’s what I think they’re looking for.”
Meanwhile, there is talk the salary cap may rise slightly above the expected figure of $87.7 million for next season.
“There was going to be a conversation if the playoffs were a high-revenue playoffs between the league and players’ association,” Friedman said.
The Edmonton Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final and the New York Rangers advancing to the conference final have helped made an increase possible. Both are considered high-revenue teams.
“Somebody said to me is if it happens, it’s not going to be a huge jump but maybe they round it to $88 (million),” Friedman said.
The cap was $83.5 million in 2023-24.
