NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, RFAs, Sabres, and 10 Buyout Candidates
Shanahan and Dubas talk to Mitch Marner's rep yesterday. Jeff Skinner wanted to know who the Buffalo Sabres next coach was going to be.
The Maple Leafs talked to Marner’s camp yesterday

John Shannon: Brendan Shanahan and Kyle Dubas talked to Mitch Marner‘s agent Darren Ferris yesterday.

Shorter-termed deals coming this offseason?

Pierre LeBrun: Of the four remaining teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Brent Burns is the highest paid at $8 million. That is less than what some restricted free agents will sign for this offseason.

  • Brian Lawton: (responding to LeBrun’s post/article) “My suspicion is things are going to get a lot less cozy for clubs & Agents this summer as this is a watershed event t for the direction of $’s in . I expect a lot more shorter term contracts 4 elite young players as a compromise to disagreements in value!”
  • Pierre LeBrun: (responding to Lawton) “Could be. I actually think shorter deals for high-level RFAs are the way to go as long as you’re up while you’re still in your prime. Means a more expensive contract next time as well.”
Skinner wanted to know who the Sabres next coach would be

Paul Hamilton: Buffalo Sabres GM Jason Botterill said on WGR 550 that pending free agent forward Jeff Skinner said that he wanted to know who their coach for next season would be.

Lance Lysowski: The agent for Sabres forward Johan Larsson said there is no truth that the restricted free agent is leaving for Brynas.

Joe Yerdon: Craig Oster, Larsson’s agent:

“Johan is looking forward to continuing his NHL career next season.”

Top 10 NHL Buyout Candidates

Luke Fox of Sportsnet: goes into the pros and cons of each potential buyout.

Corey Perry – Anaheim Ducks – two years left at a $8.625 million cap hit.

Scott Darling – Carolina Hurricanes – two years left at a $4.15 million cap hit.

Justin Abdelkader – Detroit Red Wings – four years left at a $4.25 million cap hit.

Milan Lucic – Edmonton Oilers – four years left at a $6 million cap hit.

Andrej Sekera – Edmonton Oilers – two years left at a $5.5 million cap hit.

Dion Phaneuf – Los Angeles Kings – two years left at a $7 million cap hit.

Karl Alzner – Montreal Canadiens – three years left at a $4.625 million cap hit.

Brendan Smith – New York Rangers – two years left at a $4.3 million cap hit.

Ryan Callahan – Tampa Bay Lightning – one year left at a $5.8 million cap hit.

Loui Eriksson – Vancouver Canucks – three years left at a $6 million cap hit.