NHL Shockwaves: Could McDavid, Eichel, and Kaprizov Be Heading for Unthinkable Trades?

As the NHL offseason churns towards a crescendo, the talk around the water cooler—heck, even in the locker rooms—centers on some of hockey’s most electrifying talents inching closer to contract renewals. Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers’ crowned prince, is dancing on the edge of a fresh deal that could shake the salary cap foundations. Is it gonna be a mid-term pact at $17 million? Or will the allure of a shorter, heftier contract tip the scales? Meanwhile, Jack Eichel and Kirill Kaprizov wait patiently in the wings, their negotiations tethered, at least in part, to McDavid’s final handshake. The buzz is loud and clear: Kaprizov might ink an eight-year mega deal somewhere between $120 and $130 million—a staggering figure that breaks down to about $16 million against the cap. Eichel’s price tag? He’s eyeing a solid $13 million. Not to be overshadowed, Kyle Connor from the Winnipeg Jets is poised to start talks this week, with expectations hovering north of $10 million. On the West Coast, Los Angeles Kings’ Adrian Kempe is angling for an eight-year contract flirting with $10 million per year, though the Kings seem to push back slightly at $9 million. And let’s not overlook Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars, entering restricted free agency after this season and stirring whispers of negotiations that could redefine his future. The salary cap’s tight leash makes every move a high-stakes chess game, with general managers weighing options carefully, knowing a single misstep could unbalance their roster. In the midst of this whirlwind, the Montreal Canadiens’ GM Kent Hughes keeps mum on Lane Hutson’s extension talks, preferring silence over fueling the rumor mill—smart move, if you ask me. These unfolding contract sagas aren’t just transactions; they’re the drama and heartbeat of hockey’s next chapter. LEARN MORE

Some big names are extension-eligible, with talks expected to be real soon

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period: It’s believed that Connor McDavid will eventually sign a three-to-five-year contract extension. The longer it takes, the louder it will be in Edmonton. It could come in at $17 million on a mid-term deal, or does it go higher on a short-term deal?

Players like Jack Eichel and Kirill Kaprizov could wait until McDavid’s deal gets done. Kaprizov talks are expected to happen this week and there’s talk the Minnesota Wild could offer him an eight-year deal in the $120 to $130 million range – in the $16 million salary cap hit range. Eichel’s deal could be in the $13 million range.

Talks between the Winnipeg Jets and Kyle Connor are expected to get underway as early as this week. He could be looking at, at least $10 million.

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Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe is looking for an eight-year deal in the $10 million range, while the Kings are looking at $9 million.

Talks between the Dallas Stars and Jason Robertson are expected to get underway in September. He’ll be an RFA after this season.

• NHL Rumour Report: Jeff Marek on the DLLS Stars Podcast last week: “In a perfect world, this guy is on the Dallas Stars, issue is we live in a salary cap universe; I think there is a number the Stars are comfortable with.”
• NHL Rumour Report: Marek: “I’m sure Jim Nill knows what he can get for Jason Robertson out there, in case he needs to pull the trigger; there’s a line that Jim Nill won’t cross.”

Montreal Canadiens GM wouldn’t say much regarding a Lane Hutson contract extension

Eric Engels of Sportsnet: Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes, when asked about the contract talks with defenseman Lane Hutson, who has a year left on his contract.

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“I’d prefer to say nothing. We’ve always said nothing in terms of commenting on contracts, so we’ll work away on things. I’ve always believed that when people make comments, things get misinterpreted, expectations are created and false narratives. Like we’ve done with every other player, when the contract’s concluded, then we’ll announce it.”

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