In today';s rumor rundown, there are whispers about what';s next for Steve
Yzerman, the Ottawa Senators revealed their plans for the future both publicly
and by hinting at certain moves and the Edmonton Oilers and Darnell Nurse';s
contract negotiations have become clearer.What';s Next for Steve Yzerman?

While there has been no mention by Steve Yzerman or any party within the Tampa
Bay Lightning organization that Yzerman is leaving for another role with
another organization, immediate speculation after the announcement of the
former Lightning GM stepping aside was that he';d be headed to Detroit when his
 current contract with Tampa expired.Steve Yzerman (Brad Penner-USA TODAY
Sports)

Such speculation is understandable considering the ties Yzerman has to the city
 of Detroit. The legendary forward started his managerial career with the Red
Wings after retirement, and has been linked to the franchise ever since. Joe
Smith of the Athletic and Helene St. James of the Detroit Free
Press are both reporting that Yzerman told Lightning players that he was
"heading back to Detroit." Neither could say what that meant and many assume
it';s simply to his home but some speculation is that there is a job waiting
for him as Ken Holland completes his two-year extension as GM of the Red Wings.

Contrary to those reports, there are tweets by hockey insider John Shannon that
 this decision is strictly working and life balance related. Yzerman has
already publicly discussed the fact that his role as GM of the Lightning has
been taxing. Moving into an advisory role will give him an opportunity to stay
inside the game he loves but step away from the day-to-day operations of being
an acting general manager.

John Shannon has reported that Yzerman did, in fact, have a contract
extension he was happy with...but he couldn';t commit to something that was so
all-encompassing, at this stage in his life.Related: NHL Rumors: Rangers,
Sharks, Flyers, MoreOttawa Preparing for Massive Changes

Just recently, Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk laid out plans for the
team';s future in a team released video interview with Senators defenceman
Mark Borowiecki. Included in the video was a discussion of the Senators getting
 out of the "dumpster" and becoming an organization fans and players could be
excited about. Melynk also said major player turnover and organizational
change would be included as part of a full-blown rebuild.

The Ottawa Senators are proud to share the vision for the future of our team
and this organization. We are about to launch an exciting plan to rebuild our
team and we are inviting you to be a part of our rise to new heights.
#OttawaRising pic.twitter.com/hok2jYCUVi

- Ottawa Senators (@Senators) September 11, 2018

Specifically, Melnyk suggested as many as 16 of the 22 roster members could
be moved out over the next two seasons and speculation by many who have seen
the video means that includes names like Erik Karlsson, Mark Stone, Matt
Duchene and others. Melnyk described the new direction as something that is
"fresh and brand new" but most see this as a way to introduce what is coming in
 Ottawa which is the exodus of most of their stars.

Part and parcel with that news are the rumblings that the Vegas Golden Knights
 may still have their eyes on Karlsson, even after trading for and extending
Max Pacioretty. Nichols on Hockey wrote Pierre LeBrun was on TSN yesterday
and said, "At first I'm wondering does that close the door on an Erik Karlsson
trade to Las Vegas? But what I'm being told is don't be too quick to say that."
 LeBrun added, "I think Vegas will certainly keep the lines of communication
open with Ottawa."

LeBrun went on to say that if the price is right, Vegas still has cap space and
 prospects they can move. They';ll have to compete with some new teams that
entered the Karlsson trade discussions but that people shouldn';t "totally
close the door on Vegas."Related: NHL Rumors: Duchene, Aho, Hall, MoreThe
Kings Offered Pacioretty Six Years

Chris Johnston is reporting that prior to the trade that sent Max Pacioretty
to Vegas, it is believed that the Los Angeles Kings had offered him a six-year,
 $36 million contract extension offer back in June. This was when it appeared
Pacioretty was heading to the Kings but then the deal quickly went away.

Part of the decision for Pacioretty may have been the difference in state
taxes. Los Angeles Kings players are taxed at a 50.75% tax rate where Vegas
players are at 36.51%. At a $7 million salary, that';s about $1 million in
savings each season.Nurse and the Oilers Not Close

TSN Hockey Insider, Bob McKenzie said on his podcast, "The Bobcast",  the
Oilers and defenseman Darnell Nurse are not close to signing an extension. His
exact words were, "By all accounts Nurse's contract negotiations are not going
well at all."(Vince Richard/The Hockey Writers)

McKenzie added that fans will just have to wait and see how this unfolds and
that it is imperative the Oilers get this situation figured out. The
combination of a tough cap situation in Edmonton but a need to have Nurse
playing makes this a tricky situation for the Oilers.

McKenzie also said that to other NHL executives, the Oilers were looked upon as
 one of the worst stories of last season, noting that few could understand how
they could not only miss the playoffs with the best player in hockey but find
themselves near the bottom of the NHL standings. He confirmed the rumors that
while Milan Lucic is ready to go this season in Edmonton, he did ask for a
trade.

The post NHL Rumors: Yzerman, Melnyk, Karlsson, More appeared first on The
Hockey Writers.

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