Oct 27, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm (47) and goalie Frederik Andersen (31) defend against the Dallas Stars attack during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Ducks 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

A conflict between two men eyeing to negotiate contract extensions for Hampus Lindholm and Freddie Andersen has now been resolved.

Back in November, a legal report surfaced regarding NHL player agent representation. Former NHL’er Claude Lemieux was being sued by NHLPA certified agent, Rich Winter, for fraud and other issues as Lemieux had supposedly attempted to take control of contract negotiations for two young NHL players. Those players were reported to be Anaheim Ducks young stars Hampus Lindholm and Freddie Andersen.

The legal issue at hand was a complicated one and if you want to read more about that issue, here is a link to what I wrote back in November, that piece includes links to the official court report as well.

Plain and simple, Lemieux was not an NHLPA certified agent so he came to an agreement to help Rich Winter, who was an NHLPA certified agent, negotiate contracts for North American NHL players. Lemieux had supposedly tried to take control of negotiations amongst other issues and Winter then sued.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the main issue here was Lemieux trying to negotiate contracts for Ducks players Lindholm and Andersen without Rich Winter’s consent.

After this legal issue presented itself, Claude Lemieux filed to become an NHLPA certified agent and Elliotte Friedman reports that he now “officially” represent both Linholm and Andersen.

Problem solved, right?

Maybe.

It doesn’t appear as though this legal battle is over, but Lemieux now representing both the Ducks players is significant. Why? For a number of reasons.

First is the obvious, with both players now being represented by one man it allows Bob Murray to potentially resume contract extension talks as both Lindholm and Andersen are restricted free agents at seasons end.

Andersen’s situation is unique, he holds player elected arbitration rights. This simply means that Andersen and Lemieux can take contract negotiations through the arbitration process to work out an extension if Bob Murray doesn’t present a favorable deal.

John Gibson has emerged as the guy whom the Ducks would love to see take over the number one job as soon as possible. Gibson was signed to an extension last summer and is the younger, cheaper option.

Does Bob Murray want to enter the arbitration process with Andersen and Lemieux?

As for Lindholm, things are more simple but an extension may tell signs as whats to come.

Many have speculated that the Ducks will move a young defensemen to acquire some scoring help. The Ducks have five NHL level defensemen under the age of 25 and nine in total if you include their top AHL and recent draft prospects.

If Fowler is not moved, many presume that one of Sami Vatanen or Lindholm, who are both restricted free agents this summer, will be moved. To go along with that, many, such as Pierre Lebrun, have speculated that if Lindholm signs an extension soon it may mean Vatanen could possibly be on his way out. That also means if Vatanen signs first, Lindholm could be shopped.

With Lindholm and Andersen’s agent issue now resolved (or at least it appears that way) it will be interesting to see if either guy gets an extension before the February 29th trade deadline. If neither does, it won’t entirely mean they are available, but it might not mean they are entirely safe.

Lindholm just turned 22 and is in his third NHL season, showing signs of future stardom. He’s undoubtedly deserving of a significant deal and if Bob Murray is seeing what I’m seeing, he would lock him up ASAP.

In the end, it is nice that both of these young guys seem to have their representation problem resolved. Does that mean things are perfect and that contract extension talks will now go smoothly? No.

We are now just about four weeks away from the deadline and everything should begin to heat up. It will be interesting to see if any extensions are given out before February 29th.