Insider provides an update on Mackenzie Weegar's contract negotiations

Multiple reports have said MacKenzie Weegar and the Flames have had good discussions about a long-term extension.

The 206th pick in 2013 has emerged into a top pairing defender during his six seasons in Florida. He scored 8 goals and 44 points during the 2021-2022 season. He was a very impressive plus 40 for the President Trophy winning Panthers.

The 28 year old, has one year remaining on his contract at a cap hit of $3.25 million.

If he does sign, Weegar would be following in the footsteps of fellow trade piece Jonathan Huberdeau, who inked an eight-year, $84 million deal on earlier this month. The two were acquired as part of a package for Matthew Tkachuk in a blockbuster deal earlier this summer.

The Flames have never allocated more than $6.75 million per season to a defenceman (Mark Giordano, from 2016 to 2021). Exactly 25 NHL defencemen currently make at least $7 million per year, on average. Colton Parayko and Hampus Lindholm, two recently-signed Weegar comparables, will begin earning a $6.5 million average annual salary next season.