Sunday NHL Rumor Mill – October 2, 2022
In today’s Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup: a projected big increase in the salary cap could affect some current contract talks, Travis Sanheim could draw some interest in the trade market, and the latest on the Coyotes’ goaltending.
A RISING SALARY CAP COULD AFFECT CURRENT CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
THE BOSTON GLOBE: Matt Porter noted that a recent NHL memo projected the salary cap could rise by $10 million over the next four seasons. The cap could rise by $1 million next season to $83.5 million, rising to between $87.5 million and $88 million in 2024-25 and reaching $92 million by 2025-26.
He suggested that the anticipated increase could affect current contracts negotiations such as those involving the Bruins’ David Pastrnak and the Dallas Stars’ Jason Robertson.
Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Porter wondered if Pastrnak’s representatives could seek an eight-year contract extension worth $11.1 million or if Robertson’s camp might ask for an eight-year deal based on a projected cap of $92 million or even $100 million.
It’s not far-fetched to assume the prospect of a big rise in the salary cap will affect contract talks. It will definitely factor into next summer’s unrestricted free agent market.
Superstars slated to become UFAs within the next three years are going to see big raises. Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon will become the NHL’s highest-paid player starting next season at $12.6 million annually after signing an eight-year contract extension last month. I doubt he’ll be holding that honor for long.
COULD SANHEIM BECOME A TRADE CANDIDATE?
SPORTSNET: In a recent episode of their “32 Thoughts” podcast, Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman discussed the possibility of Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim becoming available in the trade market.
Marek observed that Sanheim is in the final year of his contract. He suggested the 26-year-old rearguard might look good alongside Quinn Hughes on the Vancouver Canucks blueline. Friedman speculated there will be plenty of rumors regarding the Flyers if they get off to a rough start to this season. He believes Sanheim would draw plenty of interest.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sanheim carries a $4.675 million cap hit for this season but will earn $5.3 million in actual salary. He lacks no-trade protection and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The Canucks are above the cap for this season by $2.75 million. However, they will become cap compliant once they place permanently sidelined winger Micheal Ferland and his $3.5 million cap hit on long-term injury reserve.
That won’t leave enough space to acquire Sanheim. The Canucks would have to ship out some additional salary in the deal, make a separate cost-cutting deal, or ask the Flyers to retain up to half of his cap hit.
LATEST ON THE COYOTES:
GOPHNX.COM’s Craig Morgan tweeted that the Arizona Coyotes intend to get newly-acquired goaltender Jonas Johansson a good look in the club’s final preseason games. General manager Bill Armstrong will continue to watch the goalie trade market and waivers.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Coyotes claimed Johansson off waivers last week from the Colorado Avalanche. They are still seeking a reliable backup for starter Karel Vejmelka.
McKinnon makes $16.5M for 2 yrs, then it decreases to an make it an AAV of $12.6M over the 8 yrs.
Rangers put Domingue on waivers yesterday. Guessing someone claims him.
So, too, was veteran Mike Hutchinson by Vegas.
I wonder how players like pasta would feel about the risk of signing for two years vs 8 now. Risk injury vs a more lucrative deal in two years when cap jumps.
If the salary cap jumps. Last week, the NY Post published a story which reported that Bally Sports’ parent company is on the verge of bankruptcy. Sinclair Broadcasting, Bally’s parent company, has stated that, if it goes bankrupt, it will continue to broadcast games but will not pay the licensing fees since it will be under bankruptcy protection. Since Bally Sports is the RSN for something like 70% of the NHLs American teams, if Sinclair goes bankrupt, that will put a serious dent in Hockey Related Revenue. Which is what the salary cap is based on.
Bettman has a plan. He rescued Arizona many times and they are doing “just fine”. 😜🤣
If the Coyote’s “plan” is carried over to broadcasting rights, NHL games will be coming to a public access channel near you very soon!
Hey Paul I hope you’re right about Sinclair broadcasting… as for the NHL I’m not sure of regional broadcasts as I think that’s something teams control locally, but the NHL has a broadcast contract with ESPN, and Turner which generates cap revenue for the league. The ESPN NHL coverage is great since you can watch any game any time. It’s not one of the big three but they do cover the playoffs on one of the big three. I just hope those regional channels covering local teams continue despite Sinclair’s poor management and hopeful demise.
I think the licensing fees might be for using NHL team names and logos in their betting operations … not broadcast fees
Well, he dresses like a river boat gambler, so he just might be inclined to bet on a higher return in two/three years. Either way, get him signed, or trade him for a pile of assets.
I’d pay about a couple hundred bucks each for tickets to see a mixed martial arts match between Bettman and Adam silver, Bettman would be disqualified for jump punching silver below the knee cap. In Short, Bettman has ruined the NHL I am not talking cap, there has to be one even I admit that, but there are Canadian Cities that would be an excellent location for an nhl franchise. And it’s almost like a ballet out there. Silly rules and penalties, Gordie Howe with all his incredible talent would never get the goals he got playing in his day he would be in the penalty box or ejected 90% of the time
I’m a huge Pasta fan as a person but although he can score I feel his game dips during playoffs. I wouldn’t over pay just to keep him he needs to compete a bit more and produce in playoffs.
It’s an interesting thought but his playoff ppg and regular season ppg are near identical.
Actually, his ppg in the playoffs is a bit higher.
1.05 ppg in The playoffs
.988 ppg in the regular season.
What the realistic expectation? 2 ppg in the playoffs?
A slight elevation from a star player is pretty impressive considering player like this get extra attention in the playoffs.
Pasta is a keeper. Lock him up for 8 If you don’t you will be spending the next 8 years looking for a high scoring winger. No brainer to me
100% this, you’re insane if you let talent like his walk
26 y/0 a ppg regular and playoffs, great attitude, there isn’t a GM in the league that wouldn’t jump at the chance at Pasternak.