Extension talks between the Los Angeles Kings and Brandt Clarke haven’t began yet
The Fourth Period: David Pagnotta reported that contract extension talks between the Los Angeles Kings and pending RFA defenseman Brandt Clarke haven’t picked up, with Clarke’s camp being patient.
“There have been conversations within the off-season with (Kings GM) Ken Holland about where things are at with Clarke’s future after which they spoke again in the beginning of the (training camp) and I feel the consensus was, ‘let’s just take it slow, let’s see where things are at, let’s see how the season develops after which we’ll get into negotiations.’
I don’t think they’re against having a conversation in the midst of the season, I don’t think that’s a deterrent; the main target is just on the season – let’s see how he continues to develop, let’s see if he takes that game to the following level because I do anticipate them giving more responsibility to Brandt Clarke, but they view him as an enormous piece of their future and we’ll see type of once they get serious about those conversations.”
NHL Injuries: Sabres, Red Wings, Panthers, Kings, Devils, Rangers, Senators, Capitals, Jets and More
Clarke’s play this season will obviously go a good distance in determining how big of a deal he gets. The Kings have just over $70 million in projected salary next season. A bridge deal is a possibility.
Negotiations between the Vancouver Canucks and Kiefer Sherwood haven’t began yet
The Fourth Period: David Pagnotta reported last week that the Vancouver Canucks haven’t began contract extension negotiations with pending UFA forward Kiefer Sherwood. Last season, Sherwood had profession highs in goals (19), assists (21) and points (40), and set the NHL record for hits.
“They haven’t really gotten to the nitty-gritty of negotiations just yet. I feel there’s a bit of little bit of worry that if he replicates what he did last season, or comes near it or surpasses it, it’s gonna cost them an excessive amount of. He’s at $1.5 million (AAV). If he puts up those numbers again, he’s no less than doubling (his annual salary), and I feel that’s a bit of little bit of a priority from the Canuck side of things.”
NHL Rumors: The Colorado Avalanche and Martin Necas
Pagnotta noted today that there have been some talks, but no negotiations.
Have you ever subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumor roundups and hot topics from across the league. We’re also posting some stuff on Instagram.