Russell’s Roundup: Romanov Extension Forecast; Vegas’ Midnight Trade

The sun rises over Long Island this morning, now just 24 hours until the NHL Free Agency window opens. Today’s a big day for the New York Islanders- development camp begins this morning. It’s the first camp in the summer since Lou Lamoriello took over, and it’s something fans are quite excited for.

Beyond that, the Islanders have some major decisions to make. While it’s been reported that every RFA will be qualified, there remains silence on the UFA front for the Islanders.

Outside the hockey world, one of my favorite events of the year begins today– Wimbledon. The prettiest tennis venue in the world. It’s always a super fun tournament. It always begins around this week, just as the NHL calendar becomes so chaotic it’s hard to keep up. Wimbledon’s the perfect ease from the whirlwind of the NHL Draft and Free Agency into the stillness of Mid-July. Just like the US Open takes us from the end of August almost perfectly into training camp.

New York Islanders:

Last night, I took a good look at the re-signings of Julien Gauthier and Liam Foudy, two lightning-fast skaters. The contracts are solid for both Bridgeport and serve as good organizational depth. I also provided an update on pending UFA Grant Hutton and where those negotiations stand.

Alexander Romanov’s due for a contract extension. With multiple reporters and the Islanders’ GM explicitly saying in an interview that it’s all but done, the formal announcement could come at any point. I forecasted what the terms of the deal would be, and that only looks better after Nicolas Hague’s extension last night.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now:

Vegas Hockey Now: Late last night, as most people slept, the Golden Knights dealt Nicolas Hague to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Jeremy Lauzon and Colton Sissons. It’s a deal Vegas needed to make, as they could not re-sign Hague, especially after his 4x$5.5 million extension became official.

More VHN: The Toronto Maple Leafs are not handling losing Mitch Marner well. After having abundant chances to trade him before his no-move clause kicked in on July 1, 2023, Marner refused other trades and did not want to stay in Toronto. As a result, Vegas has been favored as a landing spot. Now, Toronto’s trying to hold Vegas hostage.

Sportsnet: If you wanted more about the Leafs’ blackmail, Elliotte Friedman goes over it all in his 32 Thoughts: The Podcast. He also confirmed reporting that Noah Dobson refused to negotiate with any Western Conference teams, essentially forcing a trade to Montreal.

Boston Hockey Now: Vegas wasn’t alone in making late Sunday night news. The Boston Bruins re-signed Morgan Geekie to a six-year, $33 million deal. It’s a very strong deal for the Bruins, especially after Geekie scored 33 goals this past season.

Ottawa Hockey Now: In Canada’s capital, days after John Tavares’ extension became finalized, so too did the long-rumored Claude Giroux extension. It’s a classic veteran deal, and Danny McCloskey’s got the details.