Track the latest news and rumours around the NHL with TSN.ca's Off-Season Watch. 

 

Staying Put? 

According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, many front office people in the NHL believe New York Islanders superstar John Tavares will sign a contract extension with the only pro team he has ever known this summer. 

“To me, Lou [Lamoriello] doesn’t take that job unless he thinks Tavares is staying put or feels there’s a real good chance of it,” one executive told LeBrun this week. 

LeBrun adds that it's difficult to predict how this will end, but other teams that could be in contention include the San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues and Vegas Golden Knights.

The 27-year-old scored 37 goals and 47 assists over 82 games with the Islanders this season. He is coming off a six-year, $33 million contract and should earn top dollar this summer. 

 

Skinner On The Waiting List?

Jeff Skinner has been rumoured to be on his way out of Carolina for the past while, but a trade with the Hurricanes star may be on hold due to free agent Ilya Kovalchuk, according to LeBrun. Clubs that are showing interest in the former NHLer from Russia - like the Los Angeles Kings and Sharks - have also kicked tires on the availability of Skinner. A Skinner trade could come after Kovalchuk signs.

The 26-year-old Skinner scored 24 goals and added 25 assists over 82 games in 2017-18, his eighth year with the Carolina franchise. 

Skinner is entering the final season of a six-year, $34.35 million contract.

 

Latest On Lucic

Edmonton Oilers power forward Milan Lucic is reportedly on the trading block with general manager Peter Chiarelli believing the 30-year-old still has plenty of value to garner a solid return, according to LeBrun. However, LeBrun notes that the Montreal Canadiens are not a team that would be interested in his services. 

Lucic had a down year in 2017-18, scoring 10 goals and 24 assists over 82 games, his second season in Edmonton. He still has five years left on a seven-year, $42 million contract signed before the 2016-17 campaign.