NHL Rumors: Hughes Talks, Ovechkin Controversy, and Big Deals as CBA Deadline Hits – The Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Minnesota Wild continue contract discussions with Quinn Hughes, while the Washington Capitals have responded to questions about Alexander Ovechkin’s appearance in a Russian political campaign video. The New Jersey Devils have already locked up newly acquired forward Luke Evangelista, while the Carolina Hurricanes have extended captain Jordan Staal. Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals both finalized long-term contracts with Cutter Gauthier and Justin Sourdif, respectively, just before new CBA rules changed how those deals could be structured.

Wild GM Provides Update on Quinn Hughes Talks

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin offered a brief update on the team’s contract discussions with defenseman Quinn Hughes, indicating that he remains comfortable with where things stand.

“I’ve been very comfortable with where we are at with Quinn for a long time,” Guerin said. “These things take time, and different things are important to different players.”

People have been watching the Hughes situation closely, with many wondering if an extension will get done or a trade might be inevitable. Guerin’s comments suggest there is no immediate concern from the team’s perspective, although there was no indication that an agreement is imminent. For now, the two sides appear to be continuing discussions, with both the contract’s structure and Hughes’ priorities potentially shaping how quickly a deal comes together.

Capitals Respond to Ovechkin Political Video

The Washington Capitals have issued a statement after Alexander Ovechkin appeared in a campaign video for Russia’s United Russia party alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The video has drawn criticism because United Russia is backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and the appearance comes amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Capitals said Ovechkin, a Russian citizen who spends his offseason in Moscow, was asked by his country to participate in the video while he was in Russia. The team added that its focus is on the upcoming season and Ovechkin’s continued impact in Washington.

Ovechkin has previously publicly supported Putin and, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, said he hoped the war would end, noting he’s an athlete and not a politician. Still, it’s a problematic look for the Capitals and the NHL. According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, the team asked Ovechkin to take down his Instagram post and deactivate his account, but Ovechkin is hesitant to do so out of concern for his family’s safety.

Devils, Hurricanes Extend Key Veterans

The New Jersey Devils wasted little time locking up newly acquired forward Luke Evangelista, signing him to a five-year, $36.25 million extension just weeks after acquiring him from the Nashville Predators.

The deal is notable because approximately 77% of its total value comes through signing bonuses. Under the new CBA, teams will face a 60% limit on signing bonuses, making the timing of the agreement particularly significant.

The Carolina Hurricanes also reached a deal with captain Jordan Staal, signing the veteran forward to a one-year, $10 million extension. The contract includes a $900,000 base salary, a $4 million signing bonus and $5.1 million in performance bonuses.

Staal will be 39 when the contract concludes and is entering his 22nd NHL season, with 16 of those seasons coming in Carolina. The structure allows the Hurricanes to retain their longtime captain without committing to a traditional $10 million salary.

Gauthier, Sourdif Beat CBA Contract Deadline

The Anaheim Ducks signed Cutter Gauthier to a six-year, $81 million contract carrying a $13.5 million annual average value. Elliotte Friedman reported that approximately $69.5 million of the deal will be paid through signing bonuses, a structure that would not have been permitted once the new CBA took effect.

The Washington Capitals also finalized an eight-year, $50.8 million extension for Justin Sourdif, giving him a $6.35 million AAV. His contract includes significant signing bonuses in the first three seasons.

Sourdif recorded 15 goals and 35 points in 78 games last season, with 26 of those points coming over his final 40 games. Washington is betting that his strong finish indicates the type of player they signed and that this deal won’t look like an albatross down the line.