Rangers lock up a young defenseman for six years
Colin Stephenson of Newsday: The New York Rangers and Brady Skjei agreed on a six-year contract worth $31.5 million – a $5.25 million salary cap hit.
Skjei had been scheduled for salary arbitration.
The Rangers still have two restricted free agents who have arbitration dates, Kevin Hayes on August 2nd and Ryan Spooner on August 4th.
Quinn decides to return to Michigan
Michigan Hockey: Defenseman Quinn Hughes announces that he’ll be returning to Michigan next season.
Vancouver Canucks: Statement from Canucks GM Jim Benning:
“We are in full support of Quinn’s decision to continue his university career as he further develops as a hockey player and student. He now has an opportunity to be a leader at the University of Michigan and represent Team USA at the 2019 World Junior Championship in Vancouver. These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will only benefit Quinn’s future career.”
Jason Brough: Had gotten the sense after speaking with GM Benning earlier in July that if they were going to sign Quinn that he wouldn’t be guaranteed a roster spot, that he would have had to beat out a veteran. There weren’t going to clear a roster spot until then.
Szymon Szemberg: There are only winners coming out of Quinn’s decision: “He will be more NHL ready. Canucks will get a better player. More leverage for agent to get better deal. U.of Michigan will be happy. USA Hockey will benefit, short and long-term.”
Wilson’s no-trade stipulations
Renaud Lavoie: As part of Tom Wilson‘s new six-year deal with the Capitals he’ll have a 10 team no-trade list until 2022, and then it will be a seven-team no-trade list for the final two seasons.
The Flames and Hathaway exchange arbitration numbers
Chris Johnston: The Calgary Flames and Garnet Hathaway are scheduled for salary arbitration on Monday and have filed their numbers. Both are for one-year and one-way.
Hathaway asked for $975,000 with the Flames offering $650,000.
Blues RFA leaving for Switzerland
Jim Thomas: St. Louis Blues restricted free agent defenseman Petteri Lindbohm will be playing in Switzerland next season.
