While word emerged last month that the Blues had advised their captain Alex Pietrangelo to test the open market, the two sides have re-engaged in conversations in the hours leading up to the opening of the market, reports Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic (subscription link). They have already lost the ability to offer him an eight-year deal, however, and are now capped at offering seven like any other team.
Rutherford cautions that no real progress has been made in talks at this point but it appears that St. Louis is willing to be more flexible in the structuring of their offer. The team does not offer signing bonuses or no-move clauses but perhaps there is some wiggle room in that area now as they look to make a last-ditch effort to keep Pietrangelo.
With roughly $5MM in cap space to work with, St. Louis would need to clear out some salary to be able to afford to keep the 30-year-old around. Rutherford reports that it’s believed teams are willing to take on the final year of Tyler Bozak’s $5MM deal but that the Blues would need to provide an incentive to clear out the center. Justin Faulk’s $6.5MM pact for seven seasons could also be in play but again would require a sweetener to move. Those options will only likely be considered if St. Louis can keep their top defender in the fold by getting Pietrangelo to sign on the dotted line.
Bozak and a 2nd to Detroit for future considerations. Give Petro his 7×8 with whatever bonus structure he wants
Bozak and 1st for future considerations.
I think that’s too much. his deal isn’t that awful with only one year left. I think if the wings can get him + a 2nd for futures you do it in a heartbeat. Heck he would be a great fit in Ottawa to mentor if he made less money :)
His other destinations are too squeezed by the flat cap.
If the Leafs don’t land him, though, Dubas has failed greatly. His man crush on Nylander is going to close their window without them ever leaving the first round.
Sign Alex P. and trade Nylander for a nice return and you are a Cup contender.
Instead, they’ll keep trotting out a junk D corps and lose.
Man crush on wee wille? You must not have watched this season. He was a stud up front only forward who cut to the net he’s developing a game similar to JVR In his prime but better
Shorthand. I know Nylander is a good player. But they can’t keep all 4 of their elite forwards and still have a team good enough to win. Not with that blueline.
big Daddy I think you have been inside during the Pandemic too long. comparing Willie to JVR is insanity. Willie has more pure skill but he is not a net presence. JVR would stand in front of the net, Willie gets goals on the perimeter of the net front zone. Again, he is also too soft come crunch time. yes he scores a couple goals in the playoffs but he doesn’t get in on the boards, avoids crowded areas. you need someone like that who can play in your top 6 to win a cup and the leafs really don’t have that. The d also needs some work but ultimately they lost their first round because Korpisalo could see almost every shot.