NHL Rumors: Oilers, Blue Jackets, Capitals, Flames – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumor roundup, has anything changed in Leon Draisaitl’s priorities that could make him shy away from an eight-year extension in Edmonton? In the meantime, where do the Columbus Blue Jackets stand in their coaching search? Are the Washington Capitals looking to re-sign Andrew Mangiapane? And has the window for the Calgary Flames and Oliver Kylington to work out an extension finally closed?

Is Draisaitl considering a Mattews-style contract extension?

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Leon Draisaitl may not be looking for an eight-year deal, as originally reported by Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now. While it’s fair to assume that no one really knows what Draisaitl wants except Draisaitl, Pagnotta noted during a spot on Hello Hockey:

“They’re going to continue their conversations about an extension and that, unless something has changed since the start of the playoffs, it’s more likely to be an Auston Matthews-style extension, a four- or five-year contract. A three- to five-year extension versus a full eight-year extension.”

It’s an intriguing report, given that Draisaitl was reportedly seeking an eight-year deal. A term half that length makes sense, though. He’ll be 33 when a four-year deal expires, and that would give him another chance to capitalize on a few productive seasons, pick his destination, and sign when the salary cap has increased.

Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports that GM Don Waddell has confirmed that two prospects will be coming to Columbus this week for in-person interviews. They are reportedly former Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason and former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft.

Portzline quotes Waddell as saying:

“This week is a big week for us to come here. Training camp is basically the third week of September. Do I want this to go into August? No way. Now, whether we announce something (this) week or it’s done early the week after … we’ll see what the schedules look like.”

source – ‘Blue Jackets Sunday Gathering: Two coaching candidates visit Columbus this week’ – Aaron Portzline – The Athletic – 07-14-2024

There are reports that the Blue Jackets have gone extremely far with Todd McLellan and that the decision to hire him was practically made when things fell apart over the framework of a deal. It wasn’t just about money, but also the salary McLellan was owed by the Los Angeles Kings. Portzline believes that these hurdles have already been resolved with Evanson and Woodcroft, otherwise they wouldn’t be interviewing.

Related: Top Remaining NHL Free Agents for the 2024 Offseason

In other Blue Jackets news, Portzline reports that Waddell is hoping to trade Patrik Laine, who requested a trade last month after a rough season. Laine remains in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and the Blue Jackets are allowed to trade him while he is in the program, but no team is allowed to talk to him directly. Waddell noted that interested clubs will want to talk to Laine before making trade offers.

Capitals Won’t Sign Mangiapane Contract Yet

Sammi Silber of The Hockey News suggests that the Washington Capitals will evaluate how newly acquired forward Andrew Mangiapane fits into their lineup before making a decision on his future. The Capitals traded the 28-year-old from the Calgary Flames on June 27. Mangiapane had a 35-goal season two years ago, but has scored just 31 goals over the past two seasons.

Will Kylington and Flames continue?

Eric Francis reports that Calgary is in an awkward situation with Oliver Kylington and that the two sides could potentially part ways. This suggests that Kylington wants to be paid like a top four player and the Flames aren’t prepared for that as the defenseman has barely played the past two seasons, which could leave everyone too far apart.

Francis argued that he doesn’t see where there’s room to bring in another defenseman after Calgary added a player this summer. It’s still possible a deal could be done, but it’s more likely Kylington will explore other destinations.