In an NHL news and rumors update, there is more news coming out of Calgary with Matthew Tkachuk and Tobias Rieder. In Toronto, there are more details on the reports of John Tavares being named the next captain and
Thachuk Wante a Five-Year Deal
Matthew Tkachuk was reportedly asking for a five-year deal before going with three years. The change in direction was the Brayden Point deal.
The Flames were trying to do a six-year deal, hoping Tkachuk would sign long-term but the trend seems to be bridge deals this summer.
Still with the Flames, it appears the team is talking a contract with former Oilers forward Tobias Rieder. Eric Francis writes:
Can report the Flames and Tobias Rieder’s agent, Darren Ferris, are talking contract. His play during camp made signing the speedy German a no brainer.
More Details on Tavares as Maple Leafs Captain
Elliotte Friedman was on WGR 550 yesterday and backed-up comments by Brian Burke that he believes John Tavares will be the next captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. In fact, Friedman thinks the team had decided to make him captain before the Auston Matthews disaster struck.
There were some within the organization that wanted Matthews, but the Tavares supporters were louder. Then, when the Matthews stuff came up, the decision seemed to take care of itself.
Tavares said being named captain would be a special honor. He knows how important it is to set an example and set the standard for what it means to be a Maple Leaf and represent the team and the city.
As per a report by TSN, Babcock said of the next captain:
“Yeah, you know what, what’s interesting about captaincies? It’s really interesting to me. When you name a captain, if you do it right, the players think they picked him, the owner thinks he picked him, the manager thinks he picked him, the coach thinks he picked him because it’s obvious to you. It’s all the same guy. I have a strong feeling in the end that’s what it’ll be like here.”
Related: Laine Signs 2-Yr Extension With Winnipeg Jets
Drew Stafford Cut by Wild
On Friday, Minnesota Wild insider Michael Russo of The Athletic shared news that forward Drew Stafford had been released from his tryout.
Blue Jackets and Sonny Milano News
The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline writes that the Columbus Blue Jackets may be ready to move winger Sonny Milano. That trade may happen as early as the next few days.
Milano is fighting for a role on the fourth line with the Blue Jackets and the team hasn’t exactly been impressed with his decision making. But, there’s a catch. Portzline writes:
But the Blue Jackets can no longer simply send him back to minor-league Cleveland for more seasoning because Milano would need to clear waivers for the demotion. The Athletic contacted front-office members with five different NHL clubs. All five doubted Milano would clear waivers.
This isn’t great news for the Blue Jackets who could really use more production from their forward corps after being all but wiped out over the offseason. Should he go, the Blue Jackets might look to make a trade to acquire a forward and could dangle Ryan Murray.
Related: NHL Rumors: Flames, Oilers, Canadiens, Penguins, Maple Leafs, More
