In their most recent podcast, titled Jaywalking in Stockholm, Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk about the Brandon Hagel extension and then segue into a quick discussion about the future of Steven Stamkos in Tampa. Friedman talks about how he could see Stamkos wanting to extend his legacy with the Lightning, stating “I could see him wanting to play 20 years in Tampa”.
The duo also talked about how, just a few years ago, there was talk about the uncertainty of Stamkos’ future in the game and then all he did was go off and win a couple of Stanley Cups and produce at a high level. When pressed about what he might think Stamkos’ next deal might be, Friedman didn’t offer a direct answer, saying “I don’t have a good answer, but it’s not going to be league minimum”.
Friedman’s inability to even guess at an extension cost or length speaks once again to the lack of information that comes out of 401 Channelside Drive. This team, and the players, just doesn’t leak information. While it’s the sign of a well-run organization, it’s also frustrating when trying to figure things like this out.
Unlike the last time he was free agent, there really isn’t a sense of urgency to get this deal done. It will happen in good time. The Hagel extension provides a little more certainty in regards to the salary cap and helps give Julien BriseBois an idea of what he can offer to his captain. It’s likely that the two sides have an idea of what the other is offering and it’s a matter of finding the happy midpoint where both sides are as happy can as they can be.
So don’t freak out that it’s less than a month until camp opens and he has no deal. It will work out in plenty of time.
Lightning / NHL News
Lightning in-game host to host NHL Events [Greg Wolf Twitter]
If you’ve been to a Lightning game over the last few seasons you’re familiar with Greg’s work as the in-game host, keeping the crowd going during breaks in the action. Over the last few years, the league has also taken note and had him work some of their marquee events. It looks like next season will be no different as he will be working the Heritage Classic, the Outdoor Game, the All-Star Game, and the Stadium Series Game. Congrats, Greg.
Recharge – The Outtakes [Lightning Youtube]
Who doesn’t like a good outtake reel?
Rangers hire Ruggiero [The Ice Garden]
Angela Ruggiero, veteran of 10 World Championships and 4 Olympics for Team USA, was hired as a hockey operations advisor by the New York Rangers. In addition to her achievements on ice, Ruggiero is also the CEO of Sports Innovation Lab, a data analysis company that helps sports and entertainment companies understand and acquire their customers.
Petterson puts extension talks “on hold” with Canucks [TSN]
With the recent spate of contract extensions, Vancouver Canucks fans were probably hoping to see one for their young star, Elias Pettersson. It looks like they may have to wait a little longer as the 24 year-old told NHL.com that he’s put that process “on hold” in order to prepare for the season, his final under his current contract. He would be a restricted free agent after the deal expires so that dampens the sense of urgency a bit, but it would also probably be nice to lock up a player that has put up 323 points in 325 NHL games.
Reactions to Evan Bouchard deal [Oilers Nation]
The Edmonton Oilers locked up Evan Bouchard to a two-year deal with a $3.9 million AAV and Oilers Nation gauges the reaction from their fan base. It would have been nice if they could have signed the 23 year-old blueliner to a long-term deal after back-to-back 40 points seasons, but there are some big names up front that are going to need new deals soon.
