In in the present day’s NHL rumors rundown, the Vegas Golden Knights are on the verge of signing defenseman Brayden McNabb to a contract extension. In the meantime, will Evgeni Malkin refuse a commerce whatever the win/loss report of the Pittsburgh Penguins? Are the New York Rangers going to search for assistance on protection? Lastly, there’s good and unhealthy information with regards to Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Golden Knights to Signal McNabb
Brayden McNabb, 33, was set to turn into an unrestricted free agent on the finish of the season. His present contract carries a cap hit of $2.85 million per season. Chris Johnston of TSN tweeted, “There’s nonetheless some paperwork to be squared away, but it surely sounds just like the Vegas Golden Knights are closing in on a multi-year extension with Brayden McNabb. The OG Golden Misfit was eligible for unrestricted free company subsequent summer season.”
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It’s not clear what the contract will appear like, however a three-year deal someplace within the vary of the contract he’s on now is perhaps lifelike. The defenseman is within the closing season of a deal that pays him $2.85 million per season.
Malkin Says He Doesn’t Wish to Be Traded Regardless of Rumored TearDown
Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin stated he has no real interest in being traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins, even when they utterly tear down the roster and begin once more. Amid a tough begin to the season, rumors are all over the place with the Penguins and GM Kyle Dubas reportedly stated everybody is obtainable besides Sidney Crosby.
“It’s my second dwelling right here,” Malkin advised reporters. “I’m glad to be right here. It doesn’t matter if we win or we misplaced, I wish to be right here all the time along with (teammates) Sid (Crosby), with Tanger (Kris Letang). We perceive it’s a tricky time proper now. We traded Lars (Eller) yesterday. I wish to keep collectively … We’ll combat each sport, you realize?”
Rangers Would possibly Store for Blue Line Assist?
The New York Rangers are off to a stable begin with a 9-4-1 report, however in response to Dan Rosen of NHL.com, key points persist, significantly in puck management and defensive-to-offensive transitions.
Rosen factors out that turnovers have plagued the workforce, most notably of their current 6-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets, the place a number of objectives got here from turnovers. The Rangers’ struggles with zone exits are evident and the workforce depends too closely on Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Fast to make massive saves. This sort of success is unsustainable.
Common supervisor Chris Drury might have to think about including a bodily, shot-blocking defenseman with robust puck-handling expertise. Rosen writes:
I do suppose the Rangers want extra of a shot-blocking, bruising presence on their again finish; a dependable, predictable defenseman who can eat some minutes and a few pucks, be sensible when he will get it and has a stable sufficient first cross to assist with exiting the defensive zone. That is perhaps on common supervisor Chris Drury’s procuring listing as we get nearer to the 2025 NHL Commerce Deadline on March 7, however for now the Rangers should be higher at every thing I discussed above.
Matthews Nonetheless Out For Toronto, However Good Information
As per a report by Chris Johnston on TSN Insider Buying and selling, there’s optimism with regards to Auston Matthews’ harm scenario. It feels like he received’t be within the lineup when the Leafs tackle the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, however when he does return, the assumption is that no matter is ailing him shall be behind him.
Johnston notes that not solely is his restoration believed to be transferring in the appropriate path, however there’s a sense that when he does return, he shall be utterly over this challenge. This relaxation interval is supposedly all he wanted to get again to 100%.
