Connect with us

Edmonton Oilers

NHL Insider Says Oilers, Nugent-Hopkins Negotiations Have Gone Sideways

Elliotte Friedman, a Sportsnet analyst and trusted NHL insider, discussed the ongoing contract situation between the Edmonton Oilers and forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins while on SN960 Friday. The good news is that the Oilers and the player have tried talking about a new deal on a few occasions. The bad news is that he did not sound confident things were going in a positive direction.

Related: NHL Insiders Suggest Koskinen Buyout More Likely Than Neal Buyout

While Nugent-Hopkins said, “I love being an Oiler, I always have. My goal is to stay an Oiler, ” Friedman made it sound like things started off with the best of intentions and that both sides wanted to get something worked out. Apparently, attitudes may have changed, even if the ultimate goal by both parties would be to get a deal done. Whether that’s because Nugent-Hopkins holds different value to the Oilers now or because the player feels like testing free agency, something feels off.

Friedman explained:

“I got to tell you, that one has been tough. They were really close before the season started and it fell apart at the last second. I don’t know what is going to happen there. Whatever was on the table then I’m not convinced is on the table now. We’re going to have to see.”

Friedman essentially said the talks have gone sideways and even though the two parties have come back to the table to talk again more than once, he hints there’s a disconnect. “Something happened here,” Friedman said. He added, “I believe it was always the plan that Nugent-Hopkins was going to stay and they wanted to keep him. I think anyone who is familiar with this situation will tell you they thought it was going to happen and it got mangled. And now I don’t know.”

Is This The Worst Thing for the Oilers?

One of the other interesting things Friedman said is that this potential contract snag with Nugent-Hopkins might not be the worst thing for Edmonton. He noted that “as long as you do something good with the cap room,” there’s no reason the Oilers should feel bad about potentially letting a younger player whom they drafted a developed walk away.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Oilers
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Oilers

If GM Ken Holland believes that he can use the $6 million in cap space to land more depth for the team, the Oilers might be better served to spread around Nuge’s money to more than one player. The biggest issue for Edmonton was their playoff depth and Friedman says this flat salary cap could be an issue over the next four or five seasons. This summer won’t just be about getting good players, but getting good players at reasonable rates.

If Nugent-Hopkins is going to stick to a number the Oilers aren’t comfortable with, it sounds like they may have decided it’s best to see what’s out there for alternatives and their plan is to wait for the player to come back to them with a lower ask.

Next: Ottawa Senators Interested in Flyers’ Claude Giroux?

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Pingback: Maple Leafs Will Need Push of Tavares Round 2 Return to Win Game 7

  2. Pingback: Edmonton Oilers Facing Dougie Hamilton Situation with Nugent-Hopkins?

Leave a Reply

More News

Discover more from NHL Trade Talk

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading