Will the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Jake Gardiner?
The Athletic: James Mirtle was asked if he believes Jake Gardiner will still be with the Toronto Maple Leafs at the start of 2018-19. Though Gardiner’s a year away from UFA eligibility, Mirtle believes he’ll still be with the Leafs this season. “It only makes sense to move Gardiner if (a) you don’t want to meet his contract demands, (b) Travis Dermott is ready and (c) you get a good return that doesn’t impact your ability to win now.”
Latest Brock Nelson contract news
The Athletic: Arthur Staple reports there’s been plenty of discussions between New York Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello and forward Brock Nelson but they don’t appear close to a deal. Nelson’s arbitration hearing is slated for Aug. 3. As he’s a year away from UFA eligibility, Nelson can only get a one-year deal through arbitration. Staple feels Lamoriello could seek a one-year deal, either via arbitration or negotiation, with the promise of a longer-term contract after the Isles GM has had a full season to evaluate Nelson as their second-line center.
Jets Josh Morrissey deciding on a bridge deal or long-term
Winnipeg Sun: Ken Wiebe reports Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey is deciding on whether to go with a bridge deal or a long-term deal. Morrissey doesn’t have arbitration rights. This past season Morrissey set career highs with seven goals, 19 assists, and 26 points. Morrissey may be better off with a two-year deal worth $3 to $3.5 million per as opposed to a deal in seven-year deal at $4 million per. If Morrisey went the bridge route, his next deal could be at $5 million-plus.
