NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 23, 2017
NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 23, 2017
Predators re-sign Viktor Arvidsson plus updates on Brian Dumoulin, Ryan Spooner and more in your NHL morning coffee headlines.
THE TENNESSEAN: The Nashville Predators agreed to a new seven-year, $29.75 million contract with winger Viktor Arvidsson. The two sides took part in an arbitration hearing on Saturday but came to terms on a new deal before the arbiter reached a decision.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Arvidsson’s new contract carries an annual average value of $4.25 million, which is a significant pay raise over the $630K AAV of his previous deal. The 24-year-old enjoyed a breakout performance last season, tallying 31 goals and 61 points, tying the team lead in goals (with Filip Forsberg) and points (with Ryan Johansen). Should Arvidsson maintain that level of production, this contract will be considered another economical signing by Predators GM David Poile.
NBC SPORTS: The Predators next order of business is re-signing forward Austin Watson, who’s scheduled for arbitration on Monday. Watson seeks a one-year deal worth $1.4 million and the Preds offered $700K.
TRIBLIVE.COM: Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin also has an arbitration hearing on Monday. The 25-year-old blueliner seeks a one-year contract worth $4.35 million. The Penguins countered with $1.95 million.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Holy lowball, Batman, the Pens offer is almost insulting. Granted, it’s a significant raise over the $800K AAV Dumoulin earned on his previous contract, but he’s clearly worth more than $1.95 million. My guess is they’ll settle on a four-year deal worth $3.5 million per season, though it wouldn’t surprise me if this turns into a Colton Parayko situation where they agree to a long-term contract with an annual cap hit much higher than their proposed numbers.
THE BOSTON GLOBE: The agent for Bruins forward Ryan Spooner indicates his client’s arbitration hearing could take place on Wednesday.
ARIZONA SPORTS: The Coyotes avoided arbitration with forward Jordan Martinook, signing him to a two-year contract with an annual average value of $1.8 million.