BHN Daily Links: Bruins, McAvoy Increase Urgency

With Labor Day weekend now behind us, hockey season is officially right around the corner. With players returning to their respective cities to prepare for camp, the spotlight returns to those marquee names without contracts. Chief among them is Boston Bruins defender Charlie McAvoy, who plans to return to talks with the club this week. According to BHN’s Jimmy Murphy, there is increased urgency to get a deal done. Here are the top stories from around the NHL on Tuesday, September 3rd.

Exclusive to Boston Hockey Now, the Boston Bruins and Charlie McAvoy are expected to “get serious” this week when it comes to contract negotiations. The sides agreed to step back and take a breather over the holiday weekend, but urgency has increased on both sides to get a deal done. (Boston Hockey Now)

Another key RFA, Mikko Rantanen, is without a contract in Denver. That negotiation appears to be more difficult, however, with a major stumbling block stemming from a past season standing in the way. Our colleague Adrian Dater has more. (Colorado Hockey Now)

Justin Williams is taking a break from the NHL. The veteran forward, dubbed Mr. Game 7, isn’t retiring from the sport, but rather is taking a ‘break’. Williams, who is “unsure” about his aspirations, is currently an unrestricted free agent. (The Score)

Cool development if you are a fan of the NHL video game series. NHL 20 will feature 33 “Alumni Teams”, including entries from the Minnesota North Stars, Hartford Whalers and Quebec Nordiques. (Gamespot)

Taro Hirose burst onto the scene for the Detroit Red Wings after signing as a free agent following his college career. Hirose, who recorded an assist in each of his first five games, is looking to take the next step in his first full professional season. (MLive.com)