Rumor mill: Trevor Zegras unlikely to sign long-term this summer

As we get closer and closer to the opening of NHL training camps, there are still a few autonomous restricted players who have yet to sign a pact with their current team. These include Alexis Lafrenière, Evan Bouchard and Trevor Zegras, among others.

And in the case of the latter, the situation seems rather mysterious. He’s arguably the team’s best forward right now, but negotiations for a long-term contract are going nowhere.

According to Frank Seravalli, therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised to see him sign a bridge contract. A two-year pact seems the most likely scenario, Seravalli believes.

If that’s the case, we can probably expect Zegras to earn around $5 million a year. At the same time, it would allow the Ducks to reassess the situation in two years’ time, when several of the club’s young forwards (including Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson) will have made the jump to the NHL.

The money could then be better distributed over the long term.

This will be an issue to keep an eye on, but expect a bridge contract for Zegras. That may change, but right now, it’s the most likely option.

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Two new teams linked to Patrick Kane

It’s been known for some time that Patrick Kane won’t be signing before the start of the season. The forward wants to wait until he’s healthy again before initialing his next pact, which means he’ll have to wait until the fall to do so.

The Sabres, Avalanche and Oilers are three teams that come up frequently when we talk about the forward, but obviously, there are other teams to watch in the race.

According to Arthur Staple, who covers Rangers activities, the possibility of a return to New York for the forward should not be ruled out.

Kane would have really enjoyed his time in town this year, and might be tempted to give the New York experience another go.

A second chance in which he’ll be healthy this time.

George Richards, who covers the Panthers, also opens the door to interest from the Florida team in the services of the former Blackhawks star. He feels the same way about Jonathan Toews.

There will be no shortage of interested teams for Kane, who would be an excellent in-season acquisition for an aspiring team.

We’ll see which team he turns to once he’s healthy, which could be as late as December.

In brief

– Speaking of Kane and the Rangers.

– Back injury for Bianca Andreescu.

😞🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/Cug7agflLM

– Bianca (@Bandreescu_) August 13, 2023

– Under the watchful eye of Nathan MacKinnon, Jannik Sinner advances to the final of the National Bank Open.

– To be continued.

The offer would be very tempting🤑🤑https://t.co/yoYzzUEanv

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) August 12, 2023

– Wow!

– James Harden won’t be traded after all, even though he no longer wants to play for the 76ers. My text on the subject.