Pierre Lebrun makes an upsetting declaration regarding Kuzmenko's future in Vancouver
Andrei Kuzmenko definitely turned out to be a steal when he was signed as a free agent this summer. The Winger has settled extremely well on Elias Pettersson's wings but his contractual situation is now generating quite the buzz.
TSN Insider Pierre Lebrun addressed the matter today in his latest article in the Athletic and revealed new information.
Per Lebrun's saying, Kuzmenko would gather lots of trades interested since he's proven his ability to play in the NHL and only commands a $950K which would make him extremely valuable for playoff-bound teams with tight salary caps. The fact that he has 35 points after 38 games certainly make his reputation. Lebrun revealed:
�'I also heard Tuesday that the Canucks aren't sure yet they want to part with him, as they haven't given up hope on the idea of re-signing him.»
From the information that Lebrun has, Canucks management and Kuzmenko's representative, Dan Milstein, have not yet chatted about the winger's future. Though he expects that they will have begun the contract talks by the end of the month. Lebrun even went further in his comments:
«I would imagine the starting price from the Kuzmenko side would be at least $6 million a year on a bridge deal.»
Now, unless Horvat leaves, or they found a miraculous way to add room under the cap. How can they possibly fit this under the cap? A bridge deal for Kuzmenko would most likely be in the one to three years range. The positive that comes out of all of this though, is that even with the mess going around the team. Kuzmenko really enjoys Vancouver and the chemistry he's building with Pettersson also adds to it, especially if they see Pettersson as the face of the franchise.
SOURCE: The Athletic
POLL |
Should they call it a day and take the assets they can for Kuzmenko? Or sign him to the $6M? |
Trade Him | 217 | 32.5 % |
Sign Him, whatever the costs | 450 | 67.5 % |
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