The Anaheim Ducks are set to begin a new season with two of the NHL's remaining three unsigned restricted free agents, and representation for Hampus Lindholm and Rickard Rakell have indicated nothing is imminent in terms of contract agreements.
From Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register:
A divide continues to exist between their agents and Ducks general manager Bob Murray. The gap didn’t close any Tuesday and now it’s certain they’ll remain away from the team when it starts its season Thursday night against the Stars.
Lindholm’s agent, Claude Lemieux, said he’s had some communication with the Ducks "but have not made any progress." Rakell’s agent, Peter Wallen, also said "we are not any closer yet."
Stephen adds the gap between the Ducks and Rakell is not as big as it is with Lindholm, and that Lemieux wants his client to be paid like a star defenseman.
As a point of comparison, Buffalo signed Rasmus Ristolainen to a six-year deal worth $32.4 million on Tuesday, but Lemieux is believed to have been seeking something closer to the eight-year, $60-million contract given to Aaron Ekblad in Florida.
According to Cap Friendly, the Ducks have $7,545,833 in available funds to work with, and Stephens reports the team would like to sign both players without having to shed salary first.
At this point in the process, it may come down to whichever party quacks first.
