Report: NHL insider reports interest is high for pending UFA

If he chooses to test the market, he’ll receive no shortage of offers.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Report: NHL insider reports interest is high for pending UFA
Keystone Press

TSN reporter and NHL insider Darren Dreger was on Edmonton radio this morning with TSN 1260 where he indicated that Oilers defenseman Kris Russell is generating buzz amongst NHL general managers.

“Kris Russell is going to have a long list of suitors if he opts to go to unrestricted free agency,” said Dreger. “I know he loves Edmonton. He’d like to stay in Edmonton. But this is where the business of the sport takes traction and becomes priority.”

While it took until October for Russell to earn an NHL contract in the 2016 offseason, he’ll likely have his pick of destinations if he elects to test the market this time around. Of course, he could also end all the speculation and re-up with the Oilers. But, what would that cost? And would Oilers GM Pete Chiarelli even entertain the idea of a long-term, big-money deal before getting commitments from superstars Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid? No doubt, his priorities lie with those two ahead of any negotiations with Russell.

So, what does the future hold for Kris Russell? Will he wind up back in Edmonton? If so, how big of a raise will he earn on the $3.1 million his pocketed in 2016-17?

Source: TSN 1260