NHL Rumors: Stars, Oilers, Predators, Bruins – The Hockey Writers – Boston Bruins

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, how will Matty Beniers’ new contract affect a couple of players from the Dallas Stars? Meanwhile, rumors this week that Tyson Barrie might be on the radar of the Edmonton Oilers is welcome news to Barrie. Barry Trotz hints that the Nashville Predators traded Yaroslav Askarov after the trade request went public. Finally, what is the latest on talks between the Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman?

What Does the Beniers Deal Mean for Johnston and Stankoven?

Adam Proteau of The Hockey News recently discussed how Matty Beniers’ new seven-year contract with the Seattle Kraken might impact the Dallas Stars’ future negotiations with young forwards Wyatt Johnston and Logan Stankoven. All three players were selected in the 2021 NHL Draft and Beniers just signed a new deal with an average annual salary of $7.14 million.

Johnston has one season left on his deal and had a stronger 2023-24 season with 32 goals and 65 points, compared to Beniers’ 15 goals and 37 points. It seems low, but Proteau speculates Johnston could receive a five or six-year deal worth $5-6 million annually, given Texas’ lack of state income tax.

Stankoven, with two years left on his entry-level deal, isn’t in the same ballpark numbers-wise but could have a breakout season in 2024-25. The Stars will have significant cap space in 2025-26 given that Jamie Benn’s deal will expire but the club might prefer bridge deals to align with Tyler Seguin’s contract also coming off the books in 2027.

Barrie Would Welcome a Return to the Oilers

Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal writes that speculation the Oilers might be considering a Tyson Barrie return is accurate. He thinks there might be something to the rumors. He writes:

I do firmly believe that there is smoke there is fire on former Oiler Tyson Barrie potentially returning to Edmonton on a value contract. Barrie spends a lot of time out here on the coast very close to where I am. There is no secret that Barrie loved being an Oiler, never wanted to leave, and would certainly welcome an invitation back. And there is a fit off the ice.

source – ‘Assigning some blame for the Edmonton Oilers losing Broberg, Holloway: 9 Things’ – Kurt Leavins – Edmonton Journal…