Latest contract news on Patrik Laine, Mikko Rantanen
TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports there have been discussions this week between Patrik Laine and the Winnipeg Jets, and Mikko Rantanen and the Colorado Avalanche. So that is the positive. The negative is they haven’t closed the gap just yet.
LeBrun believes the Jets recently offered a two-year deal, yes, a two-year bridge deal at around $6 million a year. LeBrun thinks that the Laine camp led by Mike Liut would rather be north of $7 million a year on a two-year bridge. So, still a gap right there.
When it comes to Rantanen, they’ve been focused on a long-term deal. I think the Avalanche, earlier this month, were willing to do an $8.5 million a year. It’s going to have to start, I think, with a nine [million a year] for Rantanen to sign a seven-year deal and I suspect it will get done over the next couple of days.Â
Minnesota Wild looking to trade for a top-line center
TSN: Darren Dreger reports you’ve got a rookie GM in Bill Guerin who is now general manager of the Minnesota Wild and he’s willing to be aggressive but he’s also a realist. He wants a top centre. Or a second-line centre.
The Minnesota Wild have an abundance of wingers, they’ve got a good draft pile in terms of prospects, and they also have a good picks list as well. So, he’s willing to use all of that as bait. But, again, he’s also careful knowing that the market just doesn’t throw a player like that out there.
If a top center does become available, look for GM Guerin to make a move.
