On the Detroit Red Wings …
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings are holding scouting meetings this week as they prepare for their highest first round pick since 1991.
There have been some discussions involving the possibility of moving up in the draft. The Wings have moved back in the draft twice recently – in 2013 and 2016.
“We’re open to anything, to moving up, to moving back,” Holland said. “But it’s got to make sense. The more picks you have, the more opportunity. We are going through lists, we have lots of picks this year, and we think there are lots of good players in this year’s draft.”
On the Anaheim Ducks …
Luke Fox of Sportsnet: Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray will have some big decisions to make this offseason.
Expansion draft – They could ask Kevin Bieksa to waive his no-movement clause. The Ducks need to find a way to make sure that Rickard Rakell and Jakob Silfverberg are not lost. Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler have NMCs. On the blueline they could potentially expose one of Cam Fowler, Sami Vatanen, Hampus Lindholm or Josh Manson.
Or the could figure out a trade that makes sense – The Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Buffalo Sabres are all teams outside of their conference that could use a defenseman. Corey Perry could become a trade candidate, but he’s 32-years old and carries a $8.625 million cap hit for another four years.
Consider buying out Kevin Bieksa – He brings experience and toughness, but the game is faster and more skilled. He’s 35 years old so his $4 million cap hit will remain on the books.
Decide about Cam Fowler’s future – He’ll be a UFA after next season and teams will be interested in trading for him, but he may have played himself into a long-term deal with the Ducks.
Pending UFAs – Patrick Eaves cost the Ducks a first round pick at the trade deadline. He could get a big deal on the open market, but fit in nicely with the Ducks. Other pending UFAs include Nate Thompson, Sam Carrick, Korbinian Holzer, Jonathan Bernier and Jhonas Enroth.
Backup Goalie – Could re-sign Bernier at a reduced rate. Better free agent options could be Brian Elliott, Mike Condon and Steve Mason.
Contract extension for Randy Carlyle – They could work on getting a new deal for Carlyle who will be entering the final year of his two-year deal.
