Rumor mill: Artemi Panarin linked to Hurricanes

Panarin is wrapping up the last of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $11,642,857 and will be an uncompensated free agent on July 1. One might think that, at 33, if the Rangers continue their losing streak, they’d rather maximize the Russian’s value than lose him for nothing on the free agent market.

However, the decision depends on Panarin, who has a no-movement clause in his contract.

Seravalli, for his part, believes that the presence of Russian players with the Hurricanes, such as Alexander Nikishin, Andrei Svechnikov and Pyotr Kochetkov, could influence the forward’s decision and help him accept a trade to Carolina.

The Avalanche could find themselves in the same situation as Mikko Rantanen

Martin Necas may want a lot of money to stay in Colorado.

According to Chris Johnston, although he’d be surprised, he believes it’s possible the forward could sign a contract for more money than Mikko Rantanen.

We’re still talking about $12 million a year.

That’s a lot of money for a player who just had his best season last year with 83 points in 79 games.

Rantanen has had two 100+ point seasons in the last three years.

Necas is a good hockey player, but he’s not in the same league as Rantanen or Connor McDavid, who just signed a two-year extension worth $12.5 million.

And let’s not forget that, meanwhile, Nick Suzuki is earning $7.875 million a year.

What a bargain!

Bruins won’t trade Pavel Zacha

Pavel Zacha is at the heart of a number of trade rumours, some of which link him to the Canadiens.

However, according to Pierre LeBrun, the Bruins are not interested in trading their center forward.

You can listen to the TSN clip here.

The Canucks reportedly asked Boston if Zacha was available over the summer, but he’s reportedly part of the Bruins’ long-term plans instead.

LeBrun believes that the Bruins will instead try to sign him to an extension when he becomes eligible on July 1.

However, if Boston chooses to move into a rebuild, it’s questionable whether the 28-year-old will want to be part of that process.

Overtime

– Jays create a tie.

– Hat trick!

– Déjà!