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MORE on Laine & Montreal, Flyers dealing? PTOs Scare RFAs.

July 18, 2019, 11:27 AM ET [90 Comments]
Eklund
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On Patrick Laine...

You all know how I work. I report rumors and often move on to the next one. I don't often follow up after I report a rumor unless there is more to it. Most rumors are just rumors. I wish I could tell you all I know in this case, but suffice to say, "THERE IS MORE TO IT."

The Canadiens and Patrick Laine simply keeps gaining steam. I have no idea how this plays out, but if Laine does end up with the Habs, and he really might, I don't think it happens via an offer sheet....I believe the two sides will make a trade. Montreal doesn't have a problem with that scenario I am told...None at all. I say that because the return on Laine could really shock both sides...Jets fans will hate to lose Laine, but the return could really help round out a Winnipeg team in need of some rounding out.

On the Flyers talking trade...

I keep hearing the Flyers are looking to make a trade to free up cap space so they can pursue bringing in another forward...The issue here is the Flyers depth is on D, but they really can't trade a D-man until they get Provorov signed...and there is absolutely no progress to speak of there. NONE. Many are speculating the Flyers would be OK with an offer sheet at this point. At least it would give them a timeline and make the choice more clear. I am not so sure, but I do think the Flyers would love to see Werenski or McAvoy sign first.


Why PTOs Make RFAs Nervous.

When teams start handing out tryouts, it signals huge stress for restricted free agents who have yet to sign with their current teams...I will begin looking at those "lesser impact" RFAs over the next few days and report back with what I expect to be movement towards signings...For obvious reasons I have been spending most of my time on the key big named RFAs...but that is about to expand.

I also received an email question about PTO's (Professional Try Out) Contracts like the one the Flyers signed with Chris Stewart. These contracts are interesting and can happen for many reasons. Quite often they are "favors" a GM will extend to a player they know...Stewart played in Minnesota with Fletcher, and both sides know there are no guarantees...If another team has interest in Stewart, he could leave the Flyers in an instant. I remember Bryan Berard leaving the Flyers right before a preseason game once.... A PTO can lead to another team jumping in and rarely does the player turn a PTO into a contract...but every year a few do. Last year, Alex Chiasson signed a PTO with Edmonton, signed a deal, and had a hell of a season...



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