On the New York Islanders …
Chris Botta: Islanders coach Jack Capuano “publicly bemoans” them losing free agents, but the Islanders didn’t make a single contract offer to Kyle Okposo.
Matt Larkin of The Hockey News: The Islanders three goalie situation doesn’t work, and there is a goalie trade market right now. Salary cap is an issue for some teams. The Kings are an obvious fit for needing a goalie.
The Hurricanes could be another option as they have not gotten good results from Cam Ward and Eddie Lack. The Senators might have been a fit before they acquired Mike Condon. The Stars may consider making a move later in the season, but may be looking for a bigger name like Ben Bishop.
At least a handful of teams have shown some interest in Jaroslav Halak.
On the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks …
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Don’t see the Blues re-signing Kevin Shattenkirk. Can see the Blues letting Shattenkirk’s deal play out unless they are able to get a player in return that could make an impact on this season as Shattenkirk would.
“The move for the sake of a move to me is illogical,” Blues GM Doug Armstrong said Thursday.
If Shattenkirk walks on July 1st, the Blues can use the cap space elsewhere.
The Canadiens are able to sign Alex Radulov to a contract extension on January 1st, but Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin said it’s too early start thinking of that.
“Way too early,” Bergevin said. “I remember when we traded for Vanek, and he really helped us get into the playoffs — he did — at the end it didn’t work out as well for him and us down the stretch. For the first month or so after we got him, some fans and media were saying, ‘Sign, sign, sign.’ You’ve got to be patient. There’s lots of time. We’re enjoying how he’s playing, and hopefully he keeps having success.”
Not saying they won’t re-sign him, but they are going to be patient.
The Canucks have been looking for a 20-goal scorer since July. Their search may be more urgent now.