NHL Rumors: Hampus Lindholm agrees to six-year deal with Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks have finally agreed to a six-year deal with restricted free agent defenseman Hampus Lindholm.

Entering the 2016-17 NHL season, the Anaheim Ducks still hadn’t signed their top defenseman Hampus Lindholm. With very little cap space and budget, it didn’t look encouraging, however, after sending Simon Despres to the long-term injured reserve list, they had a bit more space to work with. According to Bob McKenzie, the Ducks and Lindholm have agreed to a six-year deal worth $31.5 million. He will have a cap hit of $5.25 million.

Hampus Lindholm and ANA agree to terms on a six-year contract with an AAV of $5.25M. #TSNHockey

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 27, 2016

Lindholm did the Ducks a significant favor by taking a below market value. Even Rasmus Ristolainen of the Buffalo Sabres got a more lucrative deal and Lindholm is a better defenseman than him. He is tied for the 36th highest cap hit among defensemen, according to Cap Friendly. Props to Ducks general manager Bob Murray for being able to get Lindholm to sign a team friendly contract.

However, with Lindholm signed, Anaheim might have some tough decisions to make. Once Despres is off the long-term injured reserve list, the Ducks will have to clear some cap space. This could mean Anaheim will try to trade defenseman Cam Fowler, since he isn’t protected in the expansion draft next summer. He would also fetch them a strong return, as Fowler is one of the better left-handed defensemen in the NHL.

Another option for them is to talk Kevin Bieksa into waiving his no movement clause. However, that could be difficult because Bieksa has no reason to waive it. It would be ideal if Anaheim could find someone to take on Clayton Stoner’s contract, but this could be difficult since he has two years left and has been on waivers recently. For now, the Ducks are fine. But expect a trade or two shortly.