As is always the case, a much-anticipated free agent market loses many top names before it actually opens. As it currently stands, the talent level and depth of the potential 2019 class makes it one of the best the NHL has ever (hypothetically) seen. However, each player in that class can sign an extension beginning on July 1st of this year and has an entire calendar year before they become available. In that time, this epic free agent group could shrink considerably.
One of the top names already seems destined to be removed from the market. For a time, it was believed that Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty may test the open waters of free agency and could even be the final piece of the championship puzzle for his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. However, Doughty has made it clear in recent months that his preference is to remain in L.A. Now, Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos reports that the two sides are already closing in on an agreement to make that happen. Given that an extension offer cannot even officially be made for another month, this early progress seems to indicate that this deal will get done.
According to Kypreos, the 28-year-old Norris Trophy-winning defender will get a significant raise in his next contract over what is already a considerable cap hit at $7MM. Doughty has gone on the record as saying that he would like to be paid more than Nashville Predators blue liner P.K. Subban, who is currently the highest-paid defenseman in the league at $9MM AAV. Kypreos estimates that Doughty will land somewhere in the $10.5-11MM per year range on a long-term deal, which would make him the new top dog among defenseman – until Erik Karlsson hits the market. While it may seem overwhelming that the Kings would have two players, captain Anze Kopitar being the other, making $10MM+, a rising salary cap would make it much less of a burden than it has been on the only other team in that scenario, the Chicago Blackhawks. L.A. would have two of the league’s best players locked up long-term and would not be as strapped for space to build around them in pursuit of more championships for one the best teams in this century.
Lol but what about all the delusional Leaf fans who assumed he was signing in Toronto?
You already said it. They’re delusional.
Kings would be smart to sign him and trade him for a handful of players that can help the organization. Even w a rising salary cap, the team will be stuck with no space to land FA’s. I love doughty but love the kings more. They need more than a few players to win.
Yeah, he’ll sign a contract without a no trade clause,,,,dah
It’s Kypreos reporting this…I would probably give it as much credibility as if my grandmother with Alzheimer’s reported it.
Damn
Yeah what did Nick ever do to you? You know he banged Joan London.
He also reported the Leafs were giving the GM position to Mark Hunter. He’s like the weatherman of hockey. Guessing and throwing out his predictions based on observations. He’s bound to be right once in a while. But I honestly can not remember one NHL transaction listed as “first reported by Nick Kypreos”
There’s a 50% chance he will sign an extension. You heard it here first!
80% of predictions are made up on the spot
That means a Jake Muzzin can be had? How but JT Miller for Jake Muzzin straight up?