Kirill Kaprizov will be paid
Sports Network: Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, about how Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov is preparing to be among the highest-paid players in the NHL.
**Transcript from NHLRumors.com
Friedman: “I don’t watch Kaprizov because, well, he doesn’t have a trophy, or he doesn’t have 120 points in the season. I look at what this team looks like if he’s not here, and how important he is to this team.
When I say that, I think he’ll be in the Matthews zone, Draisaitl, I believe him.
But I think this guy is going to be one of the highest paid players in the league, because I think the Wild know (a) that if he hits the market, everyone is going to go after him. And (b) it’s so important to their franchise.
Western Conference Injuries: Avs, Oilers, Predators, Sharks, Blues and Jets
We will see what his numbers will be at the end of the year. To me it doesn’t even matter that he doesn’t have a Hart Trophy or that he doesn’t have a billion points in a season compared to some other guys or the Cup. He is by far their most dangerous player, and he keeps them going.
Montreal Canadiens mailbag on Martin Saint-LouisKent Hughes, Jake EvansAnd David Savard
Eric Engels of Sportsnet: (mailbag) The Montreal Canadiens won’t be firing head coach Martin St. Louis anytime soon.
There’s no doubt that Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes is active on the trade market. He would like to add a veteran defender and grit up front. Hughes isn’t interested in paying a high price for depth players this early in the season.
The Canadiens should have some interest in extending UFA forward Jake Evans, but they shouldn’t rush based on his best start to the season ever. If he continues to play, he may leave town. They may not want to pay this 28-year-old more than $3 million a year and stay there for more than three years.
Arber Xhekaj has yet to reach the peak of his career
The Canadian could be interested in extending defender David Savard, but he is 34 years old. If he’s willing to sign a short-term contract and accept a reduced role, they might be more interested.
