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Restricted free agents Rickard Rakell and Hampus Lindholm may still be without contracts as the regular season opener for the Anaheim Ducks inches closer, but NHL Insider Bob McKenzie’s update Thursday afternoon may offer at least a glimmer of hope.

“There certainly, I think, was some progress on the Rakell front,” said McKenzie during a radio hit on Vancouver’s TSN 1040. “I’m a little surprised it hasn’t been done. I thought they were getting close enough that it was going to get done. But apparently not. At least not yet.

Friedman: "As far as I can tell, I think Rakell and Anaheim are getting closer." #NHLDucks — Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) October 3, 2016

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“Lindholm I think closed what was a pretty considerable gap, but that’s not to suggest that the gap’s still not considerable – if that makes any sense. Other than, I mean, if you were a million – and I’m not saying they are, I’m just using these numbers as an example – but if you were $1.5 million apart and now you’re only $800,000 or $1million apart, you’re much closer than you were. But you’re still a long way from a deal. Especially when you’re talking about six years, which I believe they are. They want long-term deals for both guys.

“They may have to move another body in order to get these done too. Always lots of speculation about Cam Fowler and whether he’s there for the long haul.

“So we’ll see. Lots of options, I guess. Almost a week to go.”

Source: TSN 1040/ Transcript: Nichols

McKenzie suggests progress on Rakell and Lindholm contract fronts