On Steven Stamkos …
Howard Berger: A “birdie” told Berger that Steven Stamkos is primarily looking at the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres if he were to leave the Tampa Bay Lightning.
On David Perron …
Eric Engels: Source said the Montreal Canadiens have contacted David Perron, who would be interested in playing for the Canadiens.
On Seth Jones …
10:28 AM:
Darren Dreger: Seth Jones signs a six year extension with the Blue Jackets with a $5.4 million cap hit.
10:16 AM:
Darren Dreger: Source saying an extension between the Blue Jackets and Seth Jones is close.
Jimmy Murphy: Have been told by a Blue Jackets source that “we’re going to do whatever it takes to sign Seth Jones.” The Blue Jackets may have to move more salary than they originally planned.
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Darren Dreger on TSN 1290 on if there is a chance for an offer sheet for Seth Jones.
The Blue Jackets and Jones continue to work on a new deal this week.
“They’ll continue to work, but they don’t have a lot of cap space. Really, that’s the issue. Jarmo Kekalainen worked pretty hard to try and free up some cap space on the draft floor, and he wasn’t successful. So he’s going to have to sharpen his pencil and figure this out. The longer it drags, the more likely an offer sheet scenario does present.
“But one thing that we’ve learned over the years, guys, is teams match. They just suck it up and they match. Seth Jones is likely going to get around $7 million. That’s not news to the Columbus Blue Jackets, whether they want to pay it or not. So they would match. And if they match, what have you done if you’re the team that signed him to the offer sheet. You’ve made a mortal enemy out of Jarmo Kekalainen, John Davidson, and the Columbus Blue Jackets.”