On Alex Ovechkin …
Mike Heika: After talking with a few people, the Dallas Stars are not interested in Alex Ovechkin.
Mark Spector of Sportsnet: Though it’s nearly impossible, a look at some team that might be able to trade for Alex Ovechkin if they made him available.
Vegas GM George McPhee drafted Ovechkin, but all he has are draft picks or the best player he lands in the expansion draft (maybe a defenseman from the Ducks) or there maybe some Caps GM Brian MacLellan likes. This type of deal would be to just sell tickets.
A sign-and-trade with the New Jersey Devils for Ilya Kovalchuk.
Young teams like the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs will have salary concerns soon and Ovechkin carries a $9.5 million cap hit.
On the Calgary Flames Karl Alzner …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: It’s looking like the 28-year old defenseman Karl Alzner won’t be back with the Washington Capitals next season. Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 960 and was asked if he’d fit as the Calgary Flames No. 4 defenseman.
“I think he would, but the thing is are you going to pay him like he’s a No. 4 guy,” countered Friedman. “How many guys who are free agents – and if you look at the D this year, Alzner would be near the top of the list – how many of those guys get paid like they’re a No. 4 guy. That’s the thing.”
Friedman notes that Alzner doesn’t have great possession numbers (similar situation to Kris Russell) but it doesn’t mean that he wouldn’t be a good signing. If he’s going to free agency, what are the chances he’s going to be paid like a No. 4 defenseman? “It’s going to be a big number.”
“I just think the number that Alzner is going to command – are you going to be able to get him at that number and have him be listed as your No. 4 guy. That’s my question.”