Expansion talks between the Los Angeles Kings and Brandt Clarke have not yet begun
The Fourth Period: David Pagnotta reported that contract extension talks between the Los Angeles Kings and incoming RFA defenseman Brandt Clarke have not picked up, with Clarke’s camp being patient.
“There were conversations with (Kings GM) Ken Holland in the offseason about where things stand with Clarke’s future and then they spoke again at the beginning of (training camp) and I think the consensus was ‘let’s take it slow, let’s see where things are, let’s see how the season plays out and then we’ll go into negotiations.’
I don’t think they’re opposed to having a conversation in the middle of the season, I don’t think that’s a deterrent; the focus is just on the season – let’s see how he continues to develop, let’s see if he takes that game to the next level, because I do expect them to give more responsibility to Brandt Clarke, but they see him as a big part of their future and we’ll see when they get serious about those conversations.
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Clarke’s play this season will clearly go a long way in determining which big deal he gets. The Kings are projecting just over $70 million in salary next season. A bridging deal is a possibility.
Negotiations between the Vancouver Canucks and Kiefer Sherwood have not yet begun
The Fourth Period: David Pagnotta reported last week that the Vancouver Canucks have not yet begun contract extension negotiations with incoming UFA forward Kiefer Sherwood. Last season, Sherwood had career highs in goals (19), assists (21) and points (40), and set the NHL record for hits.
“They haven’t really gotten to the heart of the negotiations yet. I think there’s a little bit of concern that if he repeats what he did last season, or comes close to it or exceeds it, it’s going to cost them too much. He’s at $1.5 million (AAV). If he puts those numbers together again, he’s going to at least double (his annual salary), and I think that’s a little bit of a concern on the Canuck part.”
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Pagnotta noted today that there have been some discussions, but no negotiations.
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