NHL Rumors: Stars, Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Oilers

In today’s NHL rumors, are the Dallas Stars any closer to signing Jason Robertson to a new deal? Meanwhile, where do things stand between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Rasmus Sandin?

Would the Montreal Canadiens consider trading Joel Edmundson? It sounds like there are many trade offers for him. Finally, if Dylan Holloway makes the Edmonton Oilers main roster out of stock, is he likely to stay with the team?

Stars and Robertson continue talking

Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill told the Dallas Morning News’ Matthew DeFranks that there is a “very open dialogue” between the Dallas Stars Jason Robertson. He suggested the team consider a training camp as a deadline to sign him.

Nill said: “History has shown that every time players miss camp, their training camp and start to the season stagnates a bit. Our aim is to bring him here for the training camp, yes.” Robertson is coming off a 41-goal season and it will be fascinating to see if the team will prioritize a long-term deal over a bridge deal.

DeFranks writes:

A long-term deal spanning seven or eight years would likely hit $9 million. A bridge deal that closes in about three or four years would likely cost around $7 million, in line with previous deals for comparable players. The stars can create more cap room by adding fewer players to their active roster or trading players like Anton Khudobin ($3.333 million cap hit) or Radek Faksa ($3.25 million cap hit).

Source – ‘Stars, RFA Jason Robertson engage in ‘very open dialogue’ in contract negotiations as camp approaches’ – Matthew DeFranks – Dallas Morning News – 09/13/2022

What’s interesting at the time of this news is that the stars have just negotiated an extension with Nill. He has been given a one-year deal that runs from 2023-24. As part of the released statement from Stars owner Tom Gaglardi, he highlighted the work Nill has done to transform the club and enable it to compete with the best teams in the league every season.

One would have to wonder if signing Robertson first would have been a priority or a better look for the organization.

Maple Leafs must sign Sandin

When asked about the status of negotiations between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Rasmus Sandin, Elliotte Friedman noted in his recent 32 Thoughts podcast that the two sides are a little at odds. He also noted that the Maple Leafs are starting to feel some pressure to close this deal.

Also see: 3 Maple Leafs in Tough to Make 2022-23 Opening Night Lineup

Friedman pointed out that by looking at their blue line and cap situation, one can quickly see that the team hasn’t signed many defenders long-term when it comes to their blue line. There’s only one man who signed after the 2023/24 season and that’s Morgan Rielly.

Friedman doesn’t believe Zach Anton-Reese’s PTO offer will play a role in the Maple Leafs’ ability or desire to sign Sandin.

Edmundson attracts commercial interest

Montreal Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy has cited a report by TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie that defender Joel Edmundson is spurring interest in the trade market as training camp draws nearer. Lavoie claims there are plenty of teams looking at a defender like Edmundson and that if the Habs wanted to make a deal to send his contract off the books, they could.

Lavoie said: “I don’t think it’s trading now but I can tell you there are some pretty attractive offers out there. They can become even more attractive in the coming months.” The timing is interesting in this regard, as Edmundson hasn’t exactly had a strong 2021-22 season and he’s just been named assistant captain for the upcoming season.

Holloway’s inaugural season stint with Oilers could be brief

According to Edmonton Journal’s Kurt Leavins, he believes potential forward Dylan Holloway will make the team, but he may not stay with the Edmonton Oilers very long unless he gets out of the gate to start the season with some production.

Leavens writes:

I expect Dylan Holloway will be on the first opening list to allow the club to take full advantage of the bonus structures built into his contract. But if he doesn’t blow Holland & Woodcroft’s socks off at camp, I suspect he’ll start the season at Bakersfield and “overrun” there until a top-six NHL opportunity opens up for him. However, I also have a feeling that once he arrives in the league, he will probably stay here.

Source – “Cap space is the currency in 2022, so the Edmonton Oilers count on Dylan Holloway in more ways than one” – Kurt Leavins – Edmonton Journal – 09/14/2022

Jim Parsons is a senior freelance THW writer, part-time journalist, and audio/video host who lives, eats, sleeps, and breathes NHL news and rumor while also writing features about the Edmonton Oilers. He’s been a trusted source at The Hockey Writers for more than five years, but beyond that, his mission is to keep readers up to date with the latest NHL gossip and tech talk. Jim is a daily must-read for readers who want to be “in the loop.”

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