NHL Rumors: 5 forwards most likely to sign early extensions this summer
By Marci Rubin
Forwards most likely to sign early extensions: 2. Dillon Dube (Calgary Flames)
Calgary Flames center Dillon Dube has one year left of his three-year contract. Upon expiration of his current contract, Dube will be an RFA with arbitration rights, and he’ll be two years out from UFA eligibility. Conversations regarding an extension are already underway.
Dube is a speedy, versatile forward who can play in different places in the lineup. Last season, Dube notched 45 points. He will be 25 on July 20, so he’s at an age where he can still see more growth next year.
Flames GM Craig Conroy spoke about an extension on The Big Show on Sportsnet 960. Conroy said that extension talks have started. He has spoken with Dube’s agent. “We’re going to continue to move forward,” Conroy said. He wants to get a deal done because “he’s just one of those guys that you win with.” Conroy further noted that Dube “loves the Calgary Flames as much as anybody, so hopefully we can get something done with Dillon sooner than later.”
It remains to be seen if Dube will receive a bridge deal or a long-term deal. A longer deal would eat up some of Dube’s UFA-eligible years. The deal could land somewhere in the middle lengthwise so that Dube can test the UFA waters before he’s 30. Or, he and the Flames could prefer the security of something longer. It sounds like the deal should come soon.