As the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs progress, it’s time for another round of NHL rumors. This offseason, some significant things are planned.
In the next few weeks, general managers will have to make some difficult choices. It could be necessary to make certain transactions.
It might, however, be due to salary constraints. The Minnesota Wild and Tampa Bay Lightning are the subjects of today’s NHL rumors.
All NHL rumors are based on reliable sources and could be updated at any time.
Rumor: Joe Smith of the Athletic spoke with Victor Hedman, a defenseman, about his future. The seasoned defender for Tampa stated that he would ideally end his career with the team.
Analysis: Derek LaLonde, Hedman’s previous assistant coach, appears to be gone from the team as he struggles with defense. On the other hand, the Swede’s skill is undeniable.
He wants to get better and contribute significantly to the Lightning. In the last year of his $7.875 million contract, the 33-year-old will be playing.
Hedman hopes to have a lot more to give after reaching the 1,000-game milestone in the previous campaign. The seasoned blueliner stated that he intended to continue playing until he turned forty.
Julien BriseBois, the general manager of Tampa Bay, does have about $12 million in salary cap room available. He will need to focus this offseason on trying to get captain Steven Stamkos back.
BriseBois expressed his desire to retain Hedman in order to provide some seasoned leadership.
Hedman might take on the job of an experienced coach to help the Lightning defense team’s future players. With 13, the stalwart of the Tampa Bay defense did manage a double-digit goal total once more, and BriseBois stated that Hedman remains a vital member of the squad.
On the other hand, cap room may determine Hedman’s destination after the upcoming season. As the veteran approaches the final year of his contract, he becomes eligible for a contract extension as of July 1, 2024. After resolving the Stamkos situation, BriseBois may decide to resign Hedman.
Rumor: According to The Fourth Period, Bill Guerin, the general manager, is taking calls regarding goalie Filip Gustavsson.
Analysis: The buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter mean that Minnesota will have to deal with the salary cap for another year. Before the burden lessens, the Wild will have to cope with almost $14.8 million of dead space for an additional season. Guerin intends to stay busy throughout the offseason, though.
A primary goal of his will be to ensure that the team complies with the cap. There will be a slight increase in the cap compared to previous seasons. The Wild, though, will have to make some decisions that they might not want to. Offloading Gustavsson in the upcoming offseason may be one of these.
There are two more years, or $3.75 million, left on the 25-year-old’s contract. Marc-Andre Fleury has already signed a contract with Guerin for the 2024–25 campaign.
Additionally, Jesper Wallstedt is a prospect who is holding out for some playing time. There is still one year left on the $925,000 contract for the 21-year-old goaltender.
In an effort to avoid taking a full salary cap charge, Guerin would love to receive a package of prospects and draft picks, according to the Fourth Period. Even if it may only be a few million dollars off the books, the margins currently appear to be narrow.
Many teams will be trying to improve their goal-tending circumstances. Teams hoping to acquire a young goalie at a relatively modest cap number will undoubtedly pay Gustavsson considerable attention. This summer, the Wild may make a lot of moves, including him.
