In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Aleksander Barkov was back at practice for the Florida Panthers, a good sign that he’ll be able to play in Game 3 on Thursday night. Did Leon Draisaitl receive any supplemental discipline for the hit on Barkov? Did anyone from that game receive punishment from the NHL DoPS? Also with the Oilers, what is the likelihood that Jack Campbell will be bought out this summer? Meanwhile, Jonathan Drouin’s reps have spoken with the Colorado Avalanche about an extension, and the Nashville Predators maintain their stance that they have no intention of trading goaltender Juuse Saros.
Barkov Practicing with Panthers
Barkov practiced this morning with the Panthers, wearing his usual white jersey and with no extra face shield protection. He was participating in Florida’s top line in rushes and looks like he’ll not miss any time. Barkov left Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final after a hit to the head from Leon Draisaitl.
The Panthers will travel to Edmonton later on Wednesday and Game 3 will be Thursday night.
Draisaitl did not and will not receive any supplemental discipline for the hit. In fact, the only player from that game to receive supplemental discipline was Sam Carrick who was handed a $2213.54 fine for his hit on Dmitry Kulikov.
Oilers Considering Jack Campbell Buy Out After the Season?
With three years left on his contract at a $5 million average annual value, Jack Campbell’s performance has been disappointing since joining the Edmonton Oilers. He is ranked second on Frank Seravalli’s top nine buyout candidates list and while the numbers aren’t pretty (his buyout would range from $1.1 million to $2.6 million over six seasons) the Oilers may feel the need to move on.
Related: NHL Rumors: Oilers, Panthers, Flyers, Canadiens
After a poor start (2-8-1), Campbell was waived and sent to AHL Bakersfield in November. He is back now as an emergency third goalie for the playoffs, but no consideration has been given to playing him. The Oilers need cap relief and cannot afford to have $3.85 million tied up in a non-performing player. Stretching Campbell’s contract term in exchange for $2.85 million in cap savings next season, especially with huge bonus overages from Connor Brown and Corey Perry might be the way to go, argues the NHL insider.
Drouin and Avalanche Getting Close On Extension
Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now reports that Colorado Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland met with Jonathan Drouin’s agent, Allan Walsh, at the NHL draft combine. The two sides discussed details of a contract extension for Drouin, who is a pending UFA. Walsh said, “I don’t want to talk specifically. I did meet with Chris MacFarland in Buffalo (at the combine).”
He added, “Had a great meeting with him. Both sides have been pretty public also about how we want to make a deal, they want to make a deal. When both sides want to make a deal, deals happen.” Drouin had a bounceback season after previous years where he missed multiple games.
Predators Intend to Sign Saros
Elliotte Friedman noted on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast that he received a phone call from someone who was quite upset with him for speculating that the Predators will trade goaltender Juuse Saros. The belief internally for the Predators is that they’ll get an extension done and that both sides really want to get an extension done.
Friedman explained:
“So someone called me and they were really annoyed me. Like they were really annoyed at me. And they said, there’s one thing you got right and I go. ‘oh yeah, what’s that?’ And he said the player wants to stay and the team wants him to stay. And everybody involved is choosing to look at it optimistically, for that reason. This person, who I think would know, he seemed to really be optimistic, that Saros and the Predators will work out. They will find a number that will make everybody here happy, regardless of whether or not Shesterkin signs beforehand or not. And then he sighed and hung up the phone.”