Rumor Corner: Over $10 Million a Year for Drake Batherson?

Raphael Simard
Rumor Corner: Over $10 Million a Year for Drake Batherson?
Credit: YT

It's no secret: salaries have skyrocketed.

Just this past summer, Macklin Celebrini signed for $18.8 million, Leo Carlsson for $18 million, and Connor Bedard for $15 million. All of these are annual figures…

Another player who could break the bank soon (though not quite on the same level as the others) is Drake Batherson. Even though the player and the club aren't close to reaching an agreement, Batherson, according to Bruce Garrioch (Ottawa Citizen), could command a salary of more than $10 million annually.

That's become the new standard for 70-point players.

The Canadiens players who have already reached that mark are all making less than $7.9 million annually—and they're under contract through at least 2031.

(Credit: PuckPedia)

Batherson will have a salary cap hit of $4.975 million next year and will become a UFA on July 1, 2027.

Alexander Nikishin to St. Louis?

The Blues have had a busy summer.

First, they traded Jordan Kyrou to the Capitals in exchange for Connor McMichael, among others.

They then acquired Mason McTavish and Brandon Carlo. St. Louis has an intriguing roster and could acquire Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin.

The Russian is currently a restricted free agent, and negotiations with Carolina have stalled.

The Canes have just over $9 million in cap space available and can't reach an agreement with their young defenseman. Is he asking for too much?

Would a team like the Blues give him what he wants, for example?

Jonathan Toews Meeting in Chicago?

Since Patrick Kane's return to Chicago, Jonathan Toews has been thinking more about his future.

It was time for him to retire, but a reunion in Chicago with his good friend would be the best way to bring his illustrious career to a close.

He makes no secret of the fact that he'd like to return there, and The Hockey News wondered whether a one-year contract would make sense.

It's clear that it would make sense.

Chicago needs leadership and has plenty of room under the salary cap to accommodate a minimum-salary season for its former captain.

Will Kyle Davidson rely on nostalgia to put his team back on the map?


In a Nutshell

– Just under two months.

– Miami would be amazing.

– Alex Ovechkin changes his gloves often.

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