Originally published by NHLRumors.com
Potential free agent target for the Columbus Blue Jackets
Jason Gregor: Aaron Portzline on the Columbus Blue Jackets goaltending situation: “Be on alert for a PTO signing, maybe Connor Ingram (just retired today), or a waiver claim due to the shoulder injury for Merzlikins. They are hoping they have a clearer sense of how long he is out when he meets with doctors in Switzerland this week and then in Columbus next week.”
Mark Scheig: One free agent to keep an eye on for the Columbus Blue Jackets is forward Gustav Nyquist. He lives near Columbus and is taking part in their informal skates. He’s looking for the right for this upcoming season.
NHL Rumors: Any Movement on the Zachary Bolduc and Arber Xehkaj Contracts
Will the September 15th deadline spur a Cutter Gauthier’s deal and a Drake Batherson extension?
Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas on the 32 Thoughts: The Podcast – Big Names, Big Thoughts episode, on Cutter Gauthier and Drake Batherson.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Now, somebody Ducks fans were asking me if that meant that Gauthier was close. I don’t think one means the other. I’ve heard they’ve been working at it. I don’t think he’s gonna get what Carlsson got, but I don’t think he’s asking too far away.
You know, I’ll tell you next week, the 15th and the 16th. That’s when the rules change. Not only eight years down to seven max, but also the way you can structure these contracts, and it’s a big deal. Like between Gauthier, (Adam) Fantilli, Drake Batherson in Ottawa, all of those situations could be affected by not only the change in term, but the change in variables and front-loading and things structure.
And I think there’s a chance if those players go past the switch over to the new rules, I think there’s some question about whether those negotiations might go sideways. So deadline spur action, we’ll see what happens with those three players and others.”
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Bukaukas: “Okay, quickly just on Batherson because I know when we recorded the last pod, you said there’s a path there. Does your feeling has it changed at all?
Friedman: “I still think there’s a path to a deal there.”
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