Jonathan Drouin press conference from today.
- Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: From Jonathan Drouin’s press conference.
“I’m not going to answer any questions about the trade request,” Drouin said, according to the Syracuse Post-Standard. “It’s between my agent and Steve. The only thing I can do is play hockey here.”
Drouin on his relationship with head coach Jon Cooper.
“I’m not answering any questions about that,” he said.
Drouin said that he’s spoken with some Lightning players since the report came out, but wouldn’t say anything further.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: According to multiple sources, the Rangers are one of teams that have inquired about Jonathan Drouin. One source said that the Rangers “are in big-time on this.”Rangers GM Jeff Gorton spoke with Lightning GM Steve Yzerman when Tampa was in town last week. It’s not known if players names where exchanged.The Rangers could have a match with pending unrestricted free agent Keith Yandle. The Rangers won’t be able to re-sign Yandle before the trade deadline. He could get a deal of at least six years and in the $5.5 to $6 million per year range.
Yandle only carries a $2.625 million cap hit as the Coyotes are picking up part of his salary. The Lightning could use help on their second and third pairings, and could use a boost on their power play.
The Rangers are still able to trade their first round pick this year, and defer the one they owe the Coyotes to 2017.
“It is not self-effectuating,” Daly wrote. “The Rangers can decide to transfer their in 2016 or their in 2017, and must notify Arizona prior to the 2016 NHL Draft Lottery which it will be.
“Once they notify, the pick becomes Arizona’s,” the deputy commissioner continued. “Prior to then, would be able to transfer either of the two picks but not both.”
A first round pick and Yandle would be an overpayment for Drouin.
- Joe Smith: Would guess that it would take a lot more than just a rental defenseman to get Jonathan Drouin.
- Shawn Simpson: If the Senators were going to be in on Drouin, conversation likely starts with Cody Ceci or Thomas Chabot and not Jared Cowen.