Oilers face Matthew Savoie decision as Hurricanes weigh Alex Nikishin sign-and-trade
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Two situations are heating up as the NHL's eight-year extension deadline arrives today, and both Edmonton and Carolina have real decisions on their plate.
Start in Edmonton, where Matthew Savoie remains unsigned beyond this season.
Extension talks reportedly haven't even kicked off yet, but the Oilers can't afford to sit back for long.
If they wait too long, they risk watching another young piece walk into an offer sheet next summer, something the organization has already lived through with Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg.
Why Edmonton might move quickly
Savoie is coming off a full rookie season and comparisons to Fraser Minten's new deal in Boston have already shifted the market.
The longer Edmonton waits, the pricier this gets, and after already losing talent to rival offer sheets once, locking Savoie up sooner rather than later feels like the smarter play, even if it costs a bit more up front.
"Matthew Savoie and the Oilers - can see the Oilers wanting to get him locked up sooner than later to avoid an offer sheet situation next summer."
The Nikishin situation in Carolina
Down in Raleigh, Alex Nikishin's camp has made a trade request and it hasn't gone away.
"Alex Nikishin - potential sign-and-trade?"
As an entry-level RFA, he can't sign an offer sheet elsewhere, which limits his leverage but also opens the door to a different kind of move entirely.
A sign-and-trade would let the Hurricanes get something back for a player who's clearly looking for a fresh start, rather than losing negotiating power in a standoff that drags into camp.
Both stories are worth watching very closely as teams race the clock.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Connor Hellebuyck trade situation gets worse for Jets after Darren Dreger's latest update
Connor Hellebuyck trade situation gets worse for Jets after Darren Dreger's latest update