Contract extension talks between Lane Hutson and the Montreal Canadiens are ongoing, with both sides expressing confidence in reaching an agreement. Hutson became eligible for a contract extension on July 1st, and while many anticipated a quick deal, negotiations are still in progress. Sources indicate that discussions are continuous, with a potential "paradigm shift" in the NHL influencing the delay. Despite the holdup, both Hutson and the Canadiens are focused on securing a deal. Last season, the 21-year-old defenseman showcased his talent by tallying 66 points in 82 regular season games and adding 5 points in 5 playoff games.
Speculation suggests Hutson's next contract could be similar to Noah Dobson's recent deal, potentially around $9.25 million per year over eight years. Some analysts believe Hutson could even exceed Dobson's salary, given his impressive rookie season. Former NHL executive Pierre McGuire suggested the Canadiens might want to lock up Hutson long-term to demonstrate their appreciation for him. He also noted that Hutson's agent will likely seek a strong offer, potentially making him the highest-paid defenseman on the team.
The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly considering signing three free agents to professional tryout contracts (PTOs) as training camp approaches. The rumored targets include two forwards and one goaltender, aiming to add depth and create competition during camp. PTOs allow teams to evaluate unsigned players up close and see how they fit within their system before committing to a contract.
Several forwards could be potential PTO candidates for the Oilers, offering a mix of skillsets. Options for scoring depth include Victor Olofsson, Robby Fabbri, Daniel Sprong, and Kevin Labanc. Veteran Max Pacioretty could also be a valuable addition. For depth options, players like Luke Kunin, Klim Kostin, Brett Leason, Matt Nieto, and Noah Gregor could provide penalty-killing abilities and physicality. Ilya Samsonov is one of the potential goalie.
Jack Roslovic remains a prominent name in NHL free agency, with several teams expressing interest in acquiring the forward. While speculation suggested Roslovic might already have a deal in place, his camp confirmed that negotiations are still progressing. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks have been identified as potential landing spots for Roslovic. Insider Frank Seravalli believes Toronto could be a good fit, but their tight salary cap situation might pose a challenge. He also suggested Vancouver as a logical option. Elliotte Friedman reported that about five or six teams have shown interest in Roslovic. Dylan Griffing of Elite Prospects also noted that KHL teams have made offers to Roslovic.
To accommodate Roslovic, the Maple Leafs might need to make a cap-clearing move. One proposed trade involves sending Nick Robertson, David Kampf, and a 2027 second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for two third-round picks. This move would free up roster space and alleviate cap pressure. Former NHL coach Pierre McGuire mentioned that the Maple Leafs are also interested in Connor Murphy.
