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Rumor mill: Kraken interested in Patrik Laine

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 11: Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates around on a play stoppage against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Little Caesars Arena on November 11, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Columbus 5-4 (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)

On June 12, we got word that Patrik Laine would like to leave the Blue Jackets. Currently in the Player Assistance Program, a fresh start would do him the world of good, as he’s an excellent scorer but needs a little consistency.

The Seattle Kraken would be interested in taking a chance on the former second overall pick, as reported by Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast.

This news comes as no surprise to Friedman, who in recent weeks has heard that Seattle is looking for a scorer. Who better than a player who already has three seasons of 30 or more goals under his belt?

The only problem with Laine is that he has to be able to play the whole season to be effective for his team. We’re still hoping that the Player Assistance Program can help him get back on his feet. He has played every game of the season only three times in nine NHL campaigns.

Patrik Laine currently has two seasons left on his contract, which weighs $8.7 million on the payroll.

Concrete offers for Necas

Meanwhile, in Carolina, there’s talk of another player who’d like to continue his career with a new team. We’re talking about Martin Necas, who is of interest to several NHL teams.

According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Hurricanes have already received several concrete offers from around the NHL.

The Hurricanes have reportedly turned down all offers so far.

However, LeBrun did not reveal the name of any team interested in the Czech forward. More action is expected between now and the NHL draft.

Necas will become a compensated free agent this summer, and will certainly demand a bigger salary than the $3 million annual average he received under his last deal.

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Interest in Jake Guentzel in Vancouver

Jake Guentzel will be one of the most coveted uncompensated free agents this summer. Guentzel, who reportedly turned down a $51 million offer from the Penguins, will be making an impressive salary starting next season.

Frank Seravalli revealed that the Canucks would be very interested in signing Guentzel when the free agent market opens.

With the loss of Elias Lindholm, the Canucks are going to want to pick up another top-6 forward over the summer, and going after one as a free agent would be a good solution.

Expect Vancouver to have some competition, however. Several other teams will be trying to acquire Guentzel’s services. Fortunately for the Canucks, their status as a competitive team also weighs in the balance.

Seravalli expects Guentzel to sign a seven-season contract worth around $9.3 million per season.

A deal to come between Ottawa and Philadelphia?

The Senators need to add a good goaltender to their line-up, and they’re going to try to do it with Linus Ullmark. However, it seems that Ottawa is preparing another deal, this time with the Flyers.

According to TSN’s Travis Yost, Ottawa and Philadelphia are preparing a deal that could be completed by the draft.

The only problem here is that we don’t have any more information. The rumor remains vague, but it comes from a reliable source.

Who knows? Maybe Claude Giroux wants to return to the Flyers to wrap up his career!

Overtime

– Marchessault could get a good contract by testing the free agent market.

– Disappointment for Montreal CF.

– It’s less disturbing when it’s not your first.