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Buffalo Sabers and Philadelphia Flyers

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It’s time for another edition of NHL Rumors. We are well into the second round, but we have a lot to discuss regarding some eliminated clubs. These teams that missed the playoffs will have to figure out some things in order to get back into playoff contention. Some deals are coming and general managers need to make decisions this upcoming offseason. Today’s NHL rumors focus on the Buffalo Sabers and Philadelphia Flyers.

All NHL rumors are from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumors

Buffalo swords

Rumor: Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News said a source told him contract negotiations have already begun between the team and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

Analysis: The Sabers mounted a late attack during a Stanley Cup playoff berth. However, the team still holds the NHL’s longest active playoff drought. It hasn’t been a pleasant decade in Western New York, but Luukkonen started picking up the contract later in the season.

The 25-year-old should get a decent raise on his $867,500. That’s after posting a career-high 54 games played, 27 wins, a 2.57 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage and five shutouts. The 25-year-old goalie could finally be the answer to the Sabres’ long-standing problems between the nets.

Many thought he would give way to Devon Levi in ​​net, but the Finnish goaltender took the ball and ran with it last season. General manager Kevyn Adams could focus his energies elsewhere instead of focusing on the nagging question of how to solve the problems in goal.

Lysowski gave some possible comparables for Luukkonen. Names like Juuse Saros, Filip Gustavsson and Ilya Samsonov have been mentioned as framework contracts. All of these deals lasted three or four years and cost between $3.55 million and $5 million. Adams may offer a short- or mid-term deal as a bridge to Levi or a chance at a long-term deal. Something like three or four years at around $4 million-plus might be the way to go.

Philadelphia Flyers

Rumor: Kevin Kurz of The Athletic was asked about an extension for defenseman Cam York in his latest mailbag.

Analysis: York found itself in head coach John Tortorella’s doghouse during the season. However, the 23-year-old had an excellent second half and earned the trust of his head coach. York finished with 10 goals and 30 points in 82 games. He also received more ice time as the season progressed.

However, will York’s play result in a new contract. The Anaheim Hills, California native is currently making $1.6 million and entering the final year of his contract. However, he can sign a contract extension on July 1, as anyone can when entering the final year of a contract.

The main thing Kurz brings up is the durability of York’s game. Does general manager Daniel Brière decide to lock down York for a decent amount of time and money? Or is Brière playing the waiting game and seeing if York’s strong play was a fluke?

There isn’t much story in Briere’s contract negotiations. However, Kurz is weighing in on Owen Tippett’s contract extension. The youngster signed an eight-year, $49.6 million contract on January 26. This move seemingly came out of nowhere and could provide some insight into what Brière is thinking. Philadelphia’s general manager might be willing to force York to sign a new contract.

The front office’s goal could be to sign restricted free agents like Bobby Brink and Egor Zamula. Other priorities could include strengthening the roster via free agency and trades. However, York could get a new contract if he starts the season strong.

Main photo by: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

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