Category Archives: Hockey News

Avalanche’s Sakic: Length of MacKinnon contract ‘up in the air’

The Colorado Avalanche retained the rights of former No. 1 overall pick Nathan MacKinnon by giving him a qualifying offer Monday, and general manager Joe Sakic assured that the Calder Trophy winner "isn't going anywhere."

Though a new deal is expected, the potential contract length of a new deal is "up in the air," Sakic told Mike Chambers of the Denver Post, adding that he has already met with MacKinnon's representatives.

If the two parties opt for a shorter "bridge" contract, the Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native would become a restricted free agent once again at the end of his next contract.

MacKinnon bounced back following a difficult sophomore campaign with 21 goals and 31 assists in 72 games this past season. He recorded 63 points in his rookie season.

Other restricted free agents to receive qualifying offers from the Avalanche on Monday included defenseman Tyson Barrie, goaltender Calvin Pickard, and forward Mikhail Grigorenko.

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Ducks’ Brandon Pirri did not receive qualifying offer

20-goal scorers aren't always easy to come by, and the Anaheim Ducks may be letting one go for nothing.

Brandon Pirri was among five restricted free agents who did not receive qualifying offers from the Ducks on Monday. The 25-year-old recorded five points in nine games after being acquired for a sixth-round pick from the Florida Panthers in February.

The young forward had 22 goals and just two assists during the 2014-15 season with Florida, and followed that up with a 14-goal, 15-assist campaign between the Panthers and Ducks this season.

Pirri's qualifying offer would have cost the Ducks $975,000.

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Bruins’ Connolly, Ferraro to become unrestricted free agents

The Boston Bruins have chose not to issue qualifying offers to forwards Brett Connolly, Landon Ferraro, and Ben Sexton on Monday, making all three players unrestricted free agents on July 1, the team announced.

General manager Don Sweeney says the team has not ruled out signing any of the three forwards, according to Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe.

Connolly leaves after recording 25 points in 71 games in his only full season with the Bruins. He was acquired in a 2015 trade-deadline deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a pair of second-round draft picks. He made $1.025 million last season.

Meanwhile, Ferraro was claimed on waivers in November, and suited up in 55 games for the Bruins, recording 10 points. His salary last year was just $600,000.

Sexton, 25, has never played an NHL game. He has 19 career points in 73 career AHL games over the past three seasons.

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