On the Los Angeles Kings …
Dennis Bernstein: The LA Kings can’t go the rental route again. Their problem is who/what do they have to offer to make a big move? They could be stuck with the roster they currently have.
On the Chicago Blackhawks and Artemi Panarin – two years and $12 million extension …
Darren Dreger: The Blackhawks and Panarin’s camp have been negotiating since the draft in June.
Pierre LeBrun: The Blackhawks obviously wanted to get Panarin locked up to a long-term contract, but there was no way that they could fit the money in on a long-term deal.
Chris Hine: Lynn: “In the end, this was the key that unlocked the door … It was enough for Artemi to take a haircut and stay and enough for the Blackhawks to keep doing what they’re doing.”
Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune: Panarin’s agent Tom Lynn:
“We both, in a friendly way, recognized a long-term deal wasn’t feasible (and) not only moneywise,” Lynn said. “He’s two years away from getting no movement clauses. … that wasn’t feasible to give up unrestricted years on a discounted deal. At the same time neither side was into a one-year deal, just putting off the same conversation (until next year).”
The Blackhawks will still have to make some cap moves for next year to fit Panarin’s new deal in. Panarin may have some performance bonuses that carry over to next year as well.
The Blackhawks may have to trade one of their higher-salaried players or move a couple players to get under the cap. Marcus Kruger and his $3.1 million cap hit over the next two years could be one player moved. They will lose a player in the expansion draft, but all their high-salaried players will be protected for the draft.
Gary Bettman said the salary cap could go up $2 million next year. Rob Scuderi‘s $1.1 million cap hit comes off the books.
