Ducks RFA's appear to be holding out with training camp looming

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Cooper Godin
September 20, 2023 (12:00)

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With training camps set to begin for every franchise in the National Hockey League this week, there are still a few restricted free agents that are unsigned, including two from the Anaheim Ducks - Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale.

During Tuesday's edition of Insider Trading on TSN, Pierre LeBrun said that the Anaheim Ducks are not close on contract with either Zegras or Drysdale.

When it comes to Trevor Zegras, LeBrun said that both sides are comfortable with a three-year contract extension, but aren't close on the AAV on the deal.

"They wish they had a deal a month ago, let alone the fact that they don't have a deal with camps opening this week. Let's start with Trevor Zegras � two of them are in Anaheim, Zegras and Jamie Drysdale � Zegras is the face of the franchise, an offensive star, and what I can tell you is there's still a tangible gap in talks between the Anaheim Ducks and his representative Pat Brisson. My understanding is they've agreed on term, they're both willing to do a three-year deal, but they're far apart on the average annual value, so let's see where that goes. There was another conversation on Tuesday between the two sides which is a positive. "

For defenceman Jamie Drysdale, who missed the majority of the 2022-23 season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder, his agent is set to sit down with the Anaheim Ducks for another round of talks, but much like Zegras, aren't close to a deal as of Tuesday.

"Drysdale � his agent Dave Gagner is in Anaheim trying to hammer out a deal but still not close as of Tuesday morning � we'll see where that goes as that's another important signing for the Ducks."

The Ducks, with or without Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale, are set to kickoff their preseason schedule on Sunday against the Los Angeles Kings. They'll then begin their 30th season in the National Hockey League on October 14th against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Source: Pierre LeBrun - TSN's Insider Trading