The NHL is reaching uncharted territory.
With less than a month until opening puck-drop, restricted free agent forwards Mitch Marner, Bayden Point, Patrik Laine, Kyle Connor all remained unsigned. On the back end, Zach Werenski stands as one of the bigger names and it remains unclear when he’ll return to the team. His head coach John Tortorella, however, made it perfectly clear that he wants and expects the young blue liner to be at camp.
Come on Torts, tell us how you really feel man! Here’s more on what he had to say:
The following is an excerpt from The Athletic:
"I’d be terribly disappointed. I’m not involved in the business part of it. But for a young man to miss one minute of camp - and I’ve said this with () - it disgusts me," Tortorella said. "That guy there, Werenski, the way he has evolved here. He has shown so much determination, so much more confidence and attention to detail playing defence without it really affecting his offensive game. He has really grown as a player. I just don’t want him to miss a beat here. I won’t be disappointed, I’ll be disgusted."
The Columbus Dispatch reported Werenski is hoping for a three year deal with an AAV above $5 million. The Blue Jackets have $15,765,918 on Werenski, who remains the only player on the roster unsigned. The 22-year-old recorded 11 goals and 33 assists last season.
The clock is ticking…
(H/T The Athletic/TSN.ca)
