Fletcher said the number of restricted free agent defensemen similar to Provorov could be slowing discussions. Among those in the same situation are
Jacob Trouba
of the New York Rangers, Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins and
Will Butcher
of the New Jersey Devils. Trouba has an arbitration hearing scheduled for July 25 and Butcher for Aug. 2.
"I wouldn't know how to characterize it; certainly amicable," Fletcher said of discussions with Provorov's agent, Mark Gandler. "Everything's cordial and amicable, but I think until the market settles out a bit, it may be difficult to move forward on Provorov."
Konecny, a 22-year-old forward, had an NHL career-high 49 points (24 goals, 25 assists) in 82 games.
The No. 24 pick of the 2015 Draft, Konecny has scored at least 20 goals twice in his three NHL seasons and has 124 points (59 goals, 65 assists) in 233 games.
"Konecny, we've had some good conversations and we'll continue to work at it," Fletcher said.