Subj : NHL Rumors: Canadiens, Oilers, Canucks, Maple Leafs, More
To : All
From : The Hockey Writers
Date : Mon Jul 13 2020 04:40 am
In today';s NHL rumor rundown, there is lots of information out there as it
pertains to the Montreal Canadiens, more specifically Max Domi and Karl Alzner.
Mike Green has opted out from the Edmonton Oilers camp, as has Sven Baertschi
from the Vancouver Canucks. Romak Polak makes an expected decision in Dallas
and there is talk about the Maple Leafs plans for a flat salary cap.
Domi To Wait, Alzner Opts Out
The Montreal Canadiens have announced that forward Max Domi has decided to
wait 7-10 days before making a decision on whether he intends to return to the
team for Phase 3. With players now starting to notify teams of their intentions
not to return, Domi was a player already under a microscope because of his
Type-1 Diabetes. Contracting the virus would put him more at risk.
Max Domi, Montreal Canadiens (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
The team released a statement:
Considering Max's health condition (Type 1 diabetes), both parties have agreed
to take this responsible approach and to take this time to evaluate the ongoing
situation, in order to make the best decision for Max's health at the end of
this period.
Still with the Canadiens, defenseman Karl Alzner has opted out. Alzner, 31,
played only four games for the Canadiens this season. No specifics regarding
Alzner's decision were immediately available but one assumption could be that
his status with the team and not being a regular in the lineup wasn';t worth
the health risks associated with a return.
Oilers'; Mike Green Opts Out
Defenseman Mike Green is out for Edmonton as well. He said in a statement.:
"Due to the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 and after much consideration,
I've decided for deeply personal family health reasons, not to participate in
the return to play. This has been a hard decision knowing I'm going to miss
the opportunity to compete in the playoffs with a Stanley Cup contender. I wish
the best of luck to the guys and I appreciate the Edmonton Oilers support."
Mike Green, Edmonton Oilers (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
For the Oilers, this isn';t great news but it isn';t devastating news either.
There was talk Green might have gotten the nod as a defenseman because of his
veteran experience but that wasn';t a given. Potentially in and out of the
lineup, it might not have been worth the risk.
What';s more interesting is what it means for him after this season. Green
didn';t get much of a chance thanks to an injury to show the Oilers what he
could do. Now, as an unrestricted free agent, he won';t have the luxury of a
strong playoff season behind him as he negotiates a new contract.
Of note, his decision not to play completes his Feb. 24 trade, with Detroit
getting a 2020 fourth-round pick from Edmonton. That could have upgraded to a
2021 third-rounder if the Oilers reached the conference finals and Green played
in 50% of the games.
Related: Oilers History: The Return of Grant Fuhr
Baertschi Elects to Sit As Well
Vancouver forward�Sven Baertschi was also added to the list of players not
returning. Canucks general manager Jim Benning said, "Sven informed us late
yesterday that he has chosen to opt out of the NHL return to play program,"
"It was a difficult decision but ultimately one we respect and understand."
Related: 7 Biggest NHL Players in Today';s Game
Maple Leafs Plans for a Flat Cap
Rory Boylen of Sportsnet took at a look at the Toronto Maple Leafs and their
salary cap situation, noting they have $76.908 million already committed to
salaries next season. Among their notable UFA';s are �Jason Spezza,�Kyle
Clifford,�Tyson Barrie,�and�Cody Ceci. RFAs include�Travis Dermott�and�Ilya
Mikheyev.
Frederik Andersen, Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
The consensus seems to be that Barrie and Ceci are likely gone.�Frederik
Andersen�will be a UFA after next season and is not a shoo-in for a long-term
extension. For whatever reason, Andersen has a history of starting seasons
slowly. This long break could hurt him and any contract talks is that trend
continues.
It is expected that Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas will make cost-cutting
moves, especially knowing they'; need to replace the outgoing contracts of
Barrie and Ceci. The�Toronto Sun's Michael Traikos�writes:
Chances are, the Leafs will have to let someone go when the playoffs end this
year. It could be Kasperi Kapanen or Andreas Johnsson. It might be Nylander and
his $6.9-million salary.source - 'NHL teams to feel crunch if the salary cap
remains stagnant'; - Michael Traikos - Toronto Sun - 07/08/2020
Stars Not Surprised Roman Polak Didn';t Return
Matthew DeFranks of the Dallas Morning News notes that Dallas Stars
defenseman�Roman Polak�will not be on the Stars training camp roster. This
isn';t a huge surprise considering Polak voiced concern�about returning and
announced his new deal with HC Vitkovice of the Czech Extraliga.
Thomas Harley and Ty Dellandrea will be brought to camp, but DeFranks notes,
"We';ll see how much of a role they';ll have in postseason games."
Catch up on all the latest NHL Rumors
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