Canadiens may have to battle CSKA to sign Romanov
Andrew Zadarnowski: The Montreal Canadiens are only able to talk with 2018 draft pick Alex Romanov, they are not able to sign him yet.
Would think that when he is eligible to sign later this year, the Canadiens will be in a battle with CSKA, who can offer him more money.
If GM Marc Bergevin is going to Russia, it could be because CSKA is also moving in.
Penguins deep on the blue line, not so much up front
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins have plenty of injuries up front and they are carrying nine defensemen.
John Marino has passed Chad Ruhwedel and Juuso Riikola on the depth chart. If put on waivers, the Pens would likely lose Riikola but not Ruhwedel.
They could be trying to trade one of their top-six defensemen. Bob McKenzie added Erik Gudbranson‘s name to the rumor mill on Tuesday.
Trading the right-handed Gudbranson and his toughness should only be a last resort for the Penguins. Jack Johnson plays the left side and Marino could push for his spot in the lineup.
Are the Penguins looking at New York Islanders Josh Ho-Sang?
Will the Blues ‘culture’ allow them to re-sign Pietrangelo at a friendly number?
TSN: Pierre LeBrun on TSN said that he spoke with St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong early this week. Armstrong wouldn’t get into the contract extension talk details about pending UFA defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. He did touch on the Blues ability to being able to afford signing Pietrangelo long-term.
“But, his answer to my question was interesting in terms of his philosophy of team building. The fact that he looks at a team like the Boston Bruins who have everyone buying in to what everyone can fit their contracts under a cap.
He believes the Blues have that type of culture. Again, he wasn’t specifically mentioning Pietrangelo, but if you read between the lines, I think what he’s saying is there is a very nice contract there waiting for Alex Pietrangelo at some point, but I don’t think it’s with the same amount he can make on the open market. Let’s be clear.”
