Eric Francis of Sportsnet is reporting that newly-acquired Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar doesn’t want to wait until the season starts to get an extension worked out with the teams. Like Jonathan Huberdeau before him, Weegar is open to staying with the Flames long-term. But, unlike Huberdeau — whose deal got done almost immediately after he was traded for — Weegar and the Flames have yet to come to terms on a new extension.
Speculation is that it will cost a lot to keep Weegar on a seven or eight-year extension. With the expected jump in the salary cap, it’s even more likely the blueliner is looking to cash in now and while he can. That said, his agent, Matthew Ebbs, notes that Weegar is not interested in a potential extension hanging over him or the team this season. Ebbs says, “Mack is the ultimate team guy, and once the season starts he does not want to be a distraction and doesn’t want to be dealing with this in the media room.”
Ebbs adds, “That’s why our preference is if we can get something done before the season, that’s definitely where our head is at.”
So what happens if a deal isn’t reached before the start of the regular season in a few days? Ebbs wouldn’t confirm they’d shut down talks, but it does sound like that might be the direction Weegar and his agent lean. “If we can’t, we’re not saying we won’t have any discussions, but we’d prefer to just leave it so there are no team distractions after Oct. 13.”
As for what it will cost to get this deal signed, Weegar is playing the final season of a contract that pays him $3.25 million per season. The belief is that it will cost the Flames at least double that to keep him on the roster for the foreseeable future. If Calgary waits and Weegar has an incredible season, he could reach the $8 million per season mark without much trouble.
Next: Maple Leafs Michael Bunting Isn’t Here to Make Friends
Pingback: Penguins Looking to Move Pierre-Oliver Joseph - NHL Trade Talk
Pingback: Penguins wish to switch Pierre-Olivier Joseph - NHL Commerce Speak - sposnews
Pingback: Penguins Looking to Move Pierre-Oliver Joseph – Hockey 1 on 1
Pingback: Penguins Seeking To Relocate Pierre-Oliver Joseph | Gems Hockey
Pingback: Penguins Trying to Transfer Pierre-Oliver Joseph - sportsnewz.today