The Dallas Stars‘ top centre said multiple times Tuesday that he feels “disappointed” that serious negotiations have not begun towards a long-term extension in Dallas.
The sides, he said, spoke informally at the draft in late June but no advancement toward a new contract has been made since.
“Nothing’s really going on,” Seguin said. “It’s been a little disappointing. I thought I’d have some exciting news to talk about at BioSteel Camp, especially this late in the summer. It’s been disappointing. But at the end of the day, I obviously have one year left here. I’m just going to focus on that.”
Seguin, 26, is about to enter a contract season. He scored a career-high 40 goals and put up 78 points in 2017-18 with the Stars and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. His current deal carries a team-friendly $5.75-millon cap hit.
Judging by Seguin’s production, position and age, he would be in line for the type of bidding war and raise John Tavares received when the fellow Torontonian hit the open market to the tune of $77 million.
“I wasn’t really expecting this,” said Seguin, who has yet to consider whether he’ll be willing to negotiate in-season. “I’m excited to get back to Dallas and look forward to a good year.”
If Seguin remains unsigned by July, he should be the most coveted forward in 2019’s NHL free agency.[/qupte]
