Sportnet: Elliotte Friedman: The Panthers have begun contract extension talks with Aleksander Barkov, likely six- to eight-years.
A couple sources said that if Capitals defenseman Brook Orpik is out long-term, should check out their interest in Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien. After looking into it more, the Capitals think Orpik will come back, and they wouldn’t have the cap space to acquire Byfuglien.
Expect some teams to send scouts to watch Sam Gagner in the AHL. Teams may not have been interested in picking up his full contract off waivers, but depending on what the Flyers would do, there might be some teams interested.
Damien Cox: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said yesterday that recently demoted Jonathan Drouin will be back in the NHL this season, but didn’t say when he will be.
On the Florida Panthers …
The Fourth Period: Source saying the Panthers are working on an eight-year contract extension with center Aleksander Barkov.
Harvey Fialkov: Source saying the Panthers are working on a two to four year contract extension for Vincent Trocheck.
On the New York Islanders …
Arthur Staple of Newsday: The Islanders won’t know the extent of Johnny Boychuk’s injury until later today or tomorrow. However long Boychuck is out for, the Islanders will be leaning more Travis Hamonic, and the odds of the Islanders honoring his trade request have become less.
GM Garth Snow hasn’t commented on Hamonic’s request. Two sources are saying there hasn’t really been any movement towards a trade being made.
“I haven’t really thought about it, to be honest with you,” Hamonic told Newsday on Saturday. “I know that’s going to be hard for people to believe, but it’s the truth. I’m an Islander and I’m proud to be an Islander. It’s a big loss to not have Johnny out there but it doesn’t change anything for me personally.”
Unless a GM blow Snow away with an offer between now and the February 29th trade deadline, Hamonic will remain with the Islanders. The real trade watch may be in June.