The Edmonton Oilers needs to be seeking to extend Mattias Ekholm
Allan Mitchell of The Athletic: Everyone knows that Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid is extension eligible, but so is defenseman Mattias Ekholm. The Oilers needs to be seeking to extend him. He’s 35 years old, so there’s some risk involved.
Ekholm is their top-pairing, left-side D, ahead of Jake Walman and Brett Kulak. Are three players entering the ultimate yr of their contracts.
Signing Ekholm to a two or three-year deal has some real risk, but so doesn’t re-signing, given their lack of depth on the left side. It might not be easy to upgrade on the left side next offseason.
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Five potential destinations free of charge agent forward Max Pacioretty
Michael Augello of The Hockey News: Max Pacioretty signed a PTO last offseason and earned a one-year, $1.5 million deal from the Toronto Maple Leafs. He’s still in search of a contract for next season.
Injuries limited Pacioretty to 37 games, but he had a productive postseason, recording 8 points in 11 games. Potential destinations for Pacioretty.
Montreal Canadiens – A return to the Canadiens? They’re in search of some veteran experience, but possibly someone who is usually a full-time player and never a part-timer.
Edmonton Oilers – David Staples of the Edmonton Journal wondered about Pacioretty being a Corey Perry alternative.
Latest York Area – Up to now, he’s been connected to the Latest York Rangers, Latest York Islanders, and Latest Jersey Devils. The Rangers were interested on the 2024 trade deadline.
Detroit Red Wings – Pacioretty has an offseason home in Michigan, and his family stayed there last season while he played for the Leafs. As much as he should want to remain in Michigan, the Red Wings might not be interested.
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Toronto Maple Leafs – Often is the most definitely of the teams mentioned above. The Leafs still have the Nick Robertson contract situation to take care of, and can they have the ability to maneuver the contracts of David Kampf or Calle Jarnkrok?
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