NHL Rumors: Hellebuyck Update, Guathier AAV, Demidov Deal Reality – The Hockey Writers – Uncategorized

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Ivan Demidov’s agent has revealed that the Montreal Canadiens star willingly left money on the table to help the team build around him. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets may have fewer options than expected if they ultimately decide to move Connor Hellebuyck. Finally, Cutter Gauthier is reportedly in line for a massive new contract with the Anaheim Ducks.

Demidov Wanted to Leave Money on the Table for Canadiens

Ivan Demidov’s eight-year, $9.15 million annual contract with the Montreal Canadiens already looked team-friendly when it was signed, but it has become even more valuable in light of the massive contracts handed out since. Agent Dan Milstein said Demidov actually wanted the deal completed quickly and intentionally left money on the table so Montreal would have more room to build around him.

“His exact words were, ‘We’re in a great situation. I feel like we’re going to be winning for many years.’ He wanted to leave money on the table so (Montreal) can sign other players.”

This doesn’t mean Demidov won’t cash in later. Since his extension was finalized, Cale Makar signed for $20.4 million annually, while Leo Carlsson received $18 million per season. Connor Bedard landed at $15 million, and Macklin Celebrini signed for $18.8 million annually.

Milstein believes Demidov will eventually have the opportunity to cash in substantially. “My client, at the age of 28 or 29, will be able to sign whatever deal’s available at the time,” he said. “That will probably be four or five times bigger than what it is today.” After only 84 career games, Demidov appears comfortable betting on himself and Montreal’s future.

Demidov scored 19 goals and 62 points in his rookie season, and his contract includes an $11.5 million signing bonus and a 10-team no-trade clause.

Jets Have Fewer Hellebuyck Trade Options

The Winnipeg Jets could have a more difficult time finding a trade partner for Connor Hellebuyck than they did earlier in the offseason. The Jets aren’t rushing to make a deal, and many of the teams that showed interest in the past don’t have the means to do so today.

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Florida Panthers were interested in the goaltender, but they used much of their trade capital to acquire Brady Tkachuk from the Ottawa Senators. Winnipeg also discussed a potential Hellebuyck trade with the Buffalo Sabres before the draft. The Jets reportedly wanted Buffalo’s fourth-overall pick while keeping their own first-round selection, but the Sabres declined.

Friedman also pointed out that no-trade lists can change on July 1, potentially eliminating players who may previously have been willing to go to Winnipeg. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been mentioned as a possible part of a return, but his five-team no-trade clause kicked in July 1.

All of this is to say that a Hellebuyck deal could take some time.

Gauthier Could Get a Massive Ducks Contract

Cutter Gauthier’s next contract got a bit more complicated, according to Friedman. In fact, it could be one of the biggest deals handed out to a young NHL winger. Friedman said negotiations may have made progress, but stressed the final number will be “really, really big.”

Following his breakout season, Gauthier has established himself as a key part of Anaheim’s young core alongside Leo Carlsson, Beckett Sennecke and Lukas Dostal. The Ducks currently have roughly $9.07 million in cap space once the regular season begins, although they can exceed the salary cap by up to 10% during the offseason, giving them approximately $19.4 million of room to negotiate Gauthier’s extension. It won’t be that high, but it could be much higher than the $13 million he’s rumored to have turned down.

Anaheim will need to get under the $104 million ceiling before opening night, and Friedman suggested the team may need some “roster surgery” to make everything. Chris Kreider being dealt feels like the most logical move.