The NHL offseason is officially in the books, with training camps opening across the league on Wednesday. Players, coaches and general managers will be speaking to the media as the excitement for the 2023-24 campaign ramps up.
Here are the biggest storylines from the first day of camps.
*Editor’s note: This article will be updated throughout the day
Stamkos displeased over lack of contract talks this summer
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos wishes he had an extension signed by now and voiced his displeasure to reporters Wednesday morning.
“To be honest, I’ve been disappointed in the lack of talk in that regard,” Stamkos told reporters, as per Erik Erlendsson.
Stamkos didn’t rule out the possibility of negotiating during the season, but his frustration with the situation was evident.
“I’m ready whenever, so I guess that was something that I didn’t see coming but it is what it is,” Stamkos continued.
Drafted first overall in 2008, Stamkos is entering the final year of an eight-year, $68-million contract he signed two days before free agency opened in 2016.
The two-time Stanley Cup winner has accumulated 515 goals and 1,056 points in 1,003 career games. Over the span of his current deal, Stamkos has tallied 203 goals and 494 points in 434 games.
The Markham, Ont., native is hoping the Lightning will be the only NHL team he ever plays for.
“Like I stated at the end of last year, too — I would love to extend and play here and finish up my career here. But that’s out of my hands. I can’t write the contract myself,” Stamkos said.
Muzzin will not play for Leafs this year, Murray will undergo “significant” surgery
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving provided some clarity on a pair of injured players.
Jake Muzzin hasn’t played since suffering a neck injury on Oct. 17 in a game against the Arizona Coyotes. The 34-year-old left-shot defenseman is in the final year of a four-year, $22.5-million contract. Muzzin’s $5.625-million cap hit will likely be placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR).
Goaltender Matt Murray is expected to be out for the foreseeable future as well. The news of a “significant surgery” shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as the Leafs announced back in late July that Murray would start the season on LTIR. Treliving was unable to provide a timeline for Murray’s return.
Murray is coming off an injury-riddled 2022-23 campaign, with the 29-year-old netminder suffering abductor, ankle and head injuries. Murray recorded a .903 save percentage in 26 games with the Leafs last season.
In Toronto, GM Brad Treliving said Matt Murray will be undergoing a “significant” surgery (details undisclosed). And, Jake Muzzin will not play this year.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 20, 2023
Senators hoping to resolve Pinto situation shortly
Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto is one of four RFAs without a contract at the start of training camp.
Senators GM Pierre Dorion told reporters Wednesday that he’s been in daily contact with Pinto’s agent.
“We hope to have him in camp as soon as we can,” Dorion said, according to TSN reporter Claire Hanna.
As it stands right now, the Senators only have $120,000 in cap space to work with. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Tuesday that the Philadelphia Flyers offered to acquire Mathieu Joseph — who carries a $2.95-million cap hit for the next three seasons — to alleviate their cap concerns.
“That’s part of the job of being a GM. In the salary cap era, you need to get creative,” Dorion said. “It’s more than agreeing to a contract.”
Habs without Dvorak until November
Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes announced that center Christian Dvorak won’t be available until November at the earliest.
Dvorak, who hasn’t played since March 7, is still recovering from knee surgery. The 27-year-old recorded 28 points in 64 games before being shut down last season. According to The Athletic’s Arpon Basu, Dvorak was partaking in an informal skate at Montreal’s practice facility on Thursday.
Dvorak has two years remaining on his six-year, $26.7-million contract. Given the injury timeline, the Canadiens will likely place Dvorak and his $4.45-million cap hit on LTIR to start the season.
