It remains difficult to get a bead on the restricted free agent impasse across the NHL.
Big names like Mitch Marner are still unsigned. Well, that really isn’t that difficult to figure out, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still printing dollars in the basement of the arena.
Defenseman Zach Werenski (#8) of the Columbus Blue Jackets – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
The Columbus Blue Jackets opened their wallets and spent $5 million per year on a new three-year extension for Zach Werenski on Monday.
Werenski, 22, netted 11 goals and 44 points in 82 regular season games last season and pitched in six points on one goal and five assists through 10 playoff games.
“I was pretty confident it would get done,” Werenski said. “I didn’t want to miss any time, they didn’t want me to miss any time. We both had that same thing in mind. I know we weren’t too far away all summer. Obviously, I’m happy it’s over and I’ve got a few days before we start.
“I wanted to be here at camp, but you have to do what’s best for yourself. The team had to do what’s best for them. If it was worst case scenario and I had to miss camp, we would have had to wait to see what happens. I’m happy it’s done now.”
Throughout the off season, the Jackets tried to be clear that they wanted to enter training camp (later this week) with a full roster.
“We’ve been very clear on that, that missing camp’s going to take away from the team’s preparation and we don’t look favorably on that. So, we were hoping and, strongly hoping, for this outcome before this training camp got started,” general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. “So, everything’s good. He’ll be in Columbus and ready to go when everybody else is.”
So, that’s one off the list.
The number of restricted free agents without a deal in the offing includes Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins) Ivan Provorov (Philadelphia Flyers), Mikko Rantanen (Colorado Avalanche), Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning), Matthew Tkachuk (Calgary Flames), and Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets).
Goalie Jack Campbell signed a two-year extension in Los Angeles with the Kings. Given the fragility of Jonathan Quick recently, the signing maybe the best move the Kings make all season.
“It’s great. You know, I love this place, management, players, coaches, fans,” Campbell said via L.A. Kings Insider. “It’s great to be around for a little longer, so I’m really excited.
“[Contract talks started] right at the end of the year, we talked and just got something done yesterday night. It’s exciting. I try to stay out of it, just kind of talk to my agent and let him handle it and it’s just nice to get something done for sure.”
With a bad Kings team, Campbell played in 31 games going 10-14-1 (2.30 goals-against average, .928 save percentage); he had two shutouts.
“They (Los Angeles) took me in and gave me a chance,” Campbell said. “I’m just so grateful about it and I don’t really know what to say. It’s just a big honor and I’m just ready to keep working.”
Who’s next?
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