Habs, Rantanen closing in on extension

[Goffie]

The Montreal Canadiens are close to locking up a key piece of their future. Star forward Mikko Rantanen is rumoured to be on the verge of signing a multi year extension.

Once the subject or many trade rumours it is now believed both sides have mutual interest in a long term relationship.

“ The Habs are heading in the right direction and have a lot of good young players. I want to be part of this success moving forward.” Rantanen said from his home in Finland on Thursday.

Time will tell what the deal will look like but it is believed to be in the 7mill neighbourhood.

[TheScorpion]

In similar news, the New York Islanders announced today their intentions to extend goaltender Pavel Francouz (82 overall, 3 years, $4.25 million) and dman Justin Schultz (65 overall, 3 years, $2.5 million).

Dman Brad Hunt will likely be released.

[Goffie]

Habs have agreed to a 2 year 7mill per deal with Rantanen. Other highlights of their contract signings are as follows.

Brendan Gallagher has agreed to a 1 year 4mill contract and Oscar Klefbom has signed a 2 year 6.5 mill deal. These bridge deals being both players to 28 and their last RFA contracts.

Starting goalie Juuse Saros has earned a 3 year 3.75 mill deal.

Ethan Bear agreed to a 1 year 2.75mill show me deal.

Jordan Weal signed a 2 year deal while all other AHLers have signed 1 year contract extensions.

Prospects Brady Tkachuk, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Ian Mitchell all sighed 3 year ELCs.

Blake Hillman, Rob O Gara and Gemel Smith were all released to test the free agent market.