The Seattle Kraken are holding center Alex Wennberg out of tonight’s game for “trade-related issues”.
Wennberg figures to be one of the most sought-after centers left on the trade market.
Wennberg’s cap hit is $4.5 million in 2023-24, after which he’s eligible to be a UFA. Seattle has all 3 retention spots available, so they could retain a portion of his salary to facilitate a higher return.
The Nashville Predators have re-signed Tommy Novak to a 3-year deal, reports Elliotte Friedman.
Novak was set to be a UFA after the current season.
Friedman suggested on this mornings 32 Thoughts Podcast that Novak was the Rangers top target before it was clear he was re-signing with the Predators. The Rangers will need to pivot to another center before Friday’s deadline.
Evgeny Kuznetsov has cleared waivers and is expected to be sent to the AHL.
What’s next for Kuznetsov is unclear. It’s tough to imagine he’d be back with the Capitals next season, as his relationship with the club has been steadily deteriorating for a number of seasons. The Capitals could try to trade the center while retaining a portion of his $7.8 million cap hit. They could also buy him out, resulting in a cap charge of $3.8 million in 2024-25 and $2 million in 2025-26.
The New York Rangers have re-signed goaltender Jonathan Quick to a 1-year contract extension.
Quick, 38, has been a pleasant surprise for the Rangers this season, going 13-5-2 with a 0.916 SV%, providing some stability in goal as Igor Shesterkin had an up-and-down opening half of the season.
The Vancouver Canucks have re-signed Elias Pettersson to a 8-year deal with a cap hit of $11.6 million.
Pettersson has been coy about his willingness to sign in Vancouver all season long. His willingness to engage seemed to be sparked by recent reports of him being close to being moved to Carolina, which may have been the point of the reports.
Pettersson’s 8-year deal covers 1 RFA season. The contract includes a full no-move clause (starting in year 2) and more than half of the deal will be paid out in signing bonuses.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded for Ilya Lyubushkin from the Anaheim Ducks.
Carolina acquired a 6th round pick from Toronto for retaining 25% ($687,500) of Lyubshkin’s contract.
The Dallas Stars are acquiring Chris Tanev, reports Pierre Lebrun.
Frank Seravalli reports the return is a 2nd round pick, a prospect and a conditional pick.
The Detroit Red Wings have re-signed Michael Rasmussen to a 4-year contract extension.
The extension will cover 2 RFA seasons and 2 UFA seasons for Rasmussen.
The 24 year old forward has 11 goals and 12 assists in 55 games this season.