Mathieu Darche, the Islanders' new general manager, maintains he will keep the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NHL Draft, targeting to select a 'special player.' He is also focused on re-signing restricted free agents like Noah Dobson, Alexander Romanov, and others amidst trade rumors and negotiations. Darche has noted that the contract discussions are progressing amicably, with specific attention on the salary-cap space available to the team. Despite trade speculation, he is firm on retaining the first overall pick, while acknowledging the hustle of the trade market.
I wouldn't say anxiety,” Dobson said during the Islanders' breakup day on April 19 when asked whether he was feeling anxious about the upcoming contract negotiations. “I feel like that stuff will all take care of itself at some point.
I've been talking with the agents,” Darche said. “It's just part of the process. Sometimes it takes time, sometimes it happens quick. With all four of the RFAs, it's been a very cordial negotiation.
I'm still trying to sign all of our restricted free agents,” Darche emphasized, mentioning that negotiations with Dobson and others remain positive despite speculation.
While insisting, 'I'm not trading the '1,' Darche... readily acknowledged how active his cell phone has been the past few weeks.
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