NHL Rumors: Hischier’s Future, Coaching Carousel, Cassidy Interviews, Byram Extension and More
Several important NHL contract and coaching storylines are developing this summer, with New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier at the center of the market. Hischier, 27, has one year left on his deal at a $7.25 million average annual value, and his agent, Allain Roy, recently met with new Devils general manager Sunny Mehta in early discussions about a possible extension. Those talks have been described as positive so far, but the situation remains delicate. Mehta wants clarity on one of the team’s most important players, while Hischier also wants reassurance that New Jersey can quickly build into a contender. If no extension is completed this summer, teams around the league are expected to pay close attention, with clubs such as the Kings, Wild and Canadiens viewed as natural fits for a high-end two-way center in his prime.
Around the league, coaching contracts are also drawing attention. The Vegas Golden Knights’ late-season move to John Tortorella has been extremely successful, as the team has gone 18-4-1 since the change. Tortorella is only signed through the end of the season, and both sides are likely to want to continue the partnership after this playoff run. He is currently the only NHL head coach with an expiring contract this season. Other coaches with one year left include Jared Bednar in Colorado, John Hynes in Minnesota, Martin St. Louis in Montreal, Spencer Carbery in Washington and Scott Arniel in Winnipeg. Extensions for Hynes, St. Louis and Carbery are expected soon, while Bednar’s future could become a bigger question if the Avalanche exit the Western Conference final.
There is also ongoing league interest in several coaches who are available or potentially available. Patrick Roy has two years left on his deal with the Islanders, Craig Berube remains under contract with Toronto, and Peter Laviolette has already held preliminary conversations with a few teams after leaving the Rangers. Bruce Cassidy remains under contract in Vegas for one more year, but the Golden Knights have not yet given teams permission to speak with him, even though multiple clubs are interested. That issue has drawn attention from the NHL Coaches’ Association, and league sources suggest the Golden Knights are operating within their contractual rights.
In player news, Claude Giroux is expected to return for another season after taking time after the campaign to consider retirement. In Buffalo, Bowen Byram’s agent is scheduled to meet with GM Jarmo Kekäläinen at the Draft Combine, and Byram could either extend with the Sabres or choose to play out his contract, depending on discussions this summer. The Sabres are also balancing other important roster decisions involving Alex Tuch and Zach Benson.
Pittsburgh center Evgeni Malkin remains one of the biggest names on the market, though contract talks with the Penguins are ongoing and a one-year deal is the likely path. Malkin, who turns 40 on July 31, has already re-signed with Pittsburgh after the story was published, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $5.5 million with bonuses that could raise the total value to $9 million.
Finally, the NHL’s annual gathering of all 32 general managers and head coaches, usually held in person, will take place via Zoom this September.
