NHL Rumor Roundup: The Latest on Pavel Buchnevich, Logan Couture and Cam Atkinson

Cam Atkinson's future with the Flyers is uncertain. But there are clearer pictures of Pavel Buchnevich's time ahead with the Blues and Logan Couture with the Sharks.

Despite the Stanley Cup final not finishing up yet, off-season speculation is in full gear with less than two weeks until the NHL draft and the beginning of free agency.

Some of that speculation involves Pavel Buchnevich of the St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture and Philadelphia Flyers winger Cam Atkinson.

Pavel Buchnevich's future with the St. Louis Blues was the subject of speculation leading up to the March NHL trade deadline. The 29-year-old winger has a year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.8 million. 

In April, The Hockey News' Lou Korac reported Blues GM Doug Armstrong was interested in signing Buchnevich to a contract extension. Korac speculated Armstrong could offer the winger a six- to eight-year deal with an average annual value between $7 million and $8 million. 

On Monday, Armstrong told reporters that talks with Buchnevich's camp were “really good.” He acknowledged the winger would be 30 when that contract began. 

“We have to provide him information where he wants to be between 30 and mid-30s, whatever the term is,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong also noted that Alexander Steen is part of those discussions. Steen is now a special assistant to the GM and will take over from Armstrong in two years.

Matthew DeFranks of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch suggested Mark Scheifele of the Winnipeg Jets and J.T. Miller of the Vancouver Canucks as recent contract comparisons. Scheifele begins a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $8.5 million in 2024-25. Miller is in the first season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $8 million. 

Turning to the San Jose Sharks, Max Miller reported GM Mike Grier took the opportunity near the end of coach Ryan Warsofsky's introductory press conference to dismiss trade rumors about Logan Couture.

“That is absolutely false,” said Grier, praising the 35-year-old center's leadership and value to the Sharks. “He's still a heck of a hockey player, so you guys can put any of those thoughts about me looking to trade our captain, you can put it to bed.”

Couture missed all but six games in 2023-24 due to a condition called osteitis pubis. He has three years remaining on his contract with an annual cap hit of $8 million. The Mercury News' Curtis Pashelka pointed out that Couture's condition and contract would make it almost impossible to move him even if Grier wanted to.

Speaking of the Sharks, TSN's Darren Dreger reported they had an interest in Cam Atkinson. However, the 35-year-old Philadelphia Flyers winger is not keen about going to San Jose.

Atkinson has a year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $5.88 million and a 10-team no-trade clause. Earlier this month, Flyers GM Daniel Briere said his club was considering its options with Atkinson and goaltender Cal Petersen, including buying out their contracts. 

Dreger indicated a buyout for Atkinson remained an option, but the Flyers could still retain the veteran winger for next season. He also reported they're willing to retain a good chunk of his cap hit to facilitate a trade.

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