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NHL rumors roundup Week 2: Maple Leafs-Liljegren develop rift, major update on Shesterkin-Rangers extension, and more
The 2024-25 NHL season is underway, and we're nearing the completion of the first week of the new season of hockey. This week's NHL rumors consist of updates on Shesterkin-Rangers contract talks, Rangers' No.1 pick bust's multi-million dollar extension, ex-Oilers GM's NHL future as top brass in the league office, and more.
Earlier last week, NHL insider Kevin Weekes dropped a major update on Igor Shesterkin's extension talks with Rangers, that sent Rangers fans into a frenzy. Elliotte Friedman had recent developments on the Russian goalie's ongoing negotiation, Maple Leafs and Liljegren trade rumors, Ken Holland's prospective new role in the NHL front office, among other updates.
Here's a detailed view into the top 5 NHL rumors of this week
#5. Macklin Celebrini to miss showdown versus Connor Bedard
Sharks rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini suffered a lower-body injury during the season opener against St. Louis Blues. He had a goal and and assist in the game, which ended in a 5-4 OT loss for the Sharks.
The team announced putting Macklin Celebrini on injured reserve, which means the 18-year-old phenom won't be playing any games for atleast a week, and will therefore miss the showdown against last year's No.1 pick Connor Bedard, scheduled to be played on Thursday, October 18.
Eliiotte Friedman reported that Celebrini suffered a hip injury.
#4. Former No.1 pick bust Alexis Lafreniere linked to $64M extension
NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported Rangers are also looking to sign former No. 1 overall pick Alexis Lafreniere to an approx. 8-year/8 million AAV extension. Lafreniere hasn't lived up to the No.1 overall pick hype so far. Coming into his fifth Rangers season, the winger has played 300 games and scored 151 points. He had his best season last year when he scored 40 points in 82 games.
Seravalli reported that the two sides have made significant progress over the summer, and that talks are ongoing. Seravalli also speculated that the 22-year-old forward's new AAV will not be under $7 million.
#3. Ex-Oilers GM Ken Holland garnering interest for NHL's hockey ops role
Ken Holland and the Edmonton Oilers parted ways after last season. In late September, Holland was linked to the newest NHL franchise, the Utah Hockey Club, as he had attened team practice.
Elliotte Friedman provided the latest update on Ken Holland's NHL future and reported that the league has already approached the veteran GM for a role in hockey operations. Friedman added that Holland has time to decide what his future in the NHL will be.
#2. Maple Leafs deny rumors of allowing Timothy Liljegren to talk to other teams
25 year-old D-man Timothy Liljegren has not skated in a single regular season game for the Maple Leafs, so far. He played in the offseason, but admitted to struggling to get his game going.
Elliotte Friedman reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs have denied rumors of allowing Timothy Liljegren to talk to other teams. The rift between Liljegren and Maple Leafs reportedly stems from the team wanting to be patient with the D-man, knowing he has the ability to make the roster in due time, and Liljegren not being happy being down in the Leafs' depth chart, and hence preferring to be traded.
Also read: Timothy Liljegren trade destinations: Top 3 probable landing spots
#1. 'Hard feelings' developed after leak of Shesterkin rejecting $88M deal
On Tuesday, October 8, NHL insider Kevin Weekes reported Igor Shesterkin had rejected a $88 million/ $11 million AAV contract extension offer from the New York Rangers. The $11 million AAV deal would have made Shesterkin the highest paid goalie in NHL history (just after Carey Price's $10.5 million Habs deal), but the Russian netminder seemingly rejected the offer.
Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this week that the leak of Shesterkin's rejected $88M deal brought 'some hard feelings' into the negotiations. Despite which, Friedman speculates if Rangers reach a number that Shesterkin likes, a deal will be confirmed even in the middle of the ongoing season. Insiders Friedman and Pierre LeBrun have speculated Shesterkin's demands to be around $12 and $13 million AAV.
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