Bob McKenzie: Rangers RFA Derek Stepan is seeking Ryan McDonagh money, six-years and $4.7 million a season, but he has no arbitration rights. The Rangers are holding firm on a P.K. Subban bridge deal.
James Mirtle: Mirtle thinks it’s possible that Maple Leafs can get Cody Franson signed by the start of training camp next week. He’d be surprised if Nazem Kadri is there, making of a hold out. Mirtle thinks a fair deal for both is in the $3 to $3.5 million range on a short-term deal. Leafs do not have that kind of cap space at the moment to pull that off.
Nazem Kadri: Kadri tells “bobo” (Bob McKenzie) that it is “false” that he’s looking for a long-term deal in the John Tavares range, and the Leafs wanting a P.K. Subban type deal.
Bobo: McKenzie’s take on the Leafs-Kadri situation: “As long as TOR holds firm on wanting 2 yr bridge deal, Kadri has no leverage other than witholding services and hoping his absence impacts. Failing that, Kadri makes case for closer to Matt Duchene $ ($3.5M per) than P.K. Subban $ ($2.875M per). We’ll see if TOR moves off that #.”
Lou Korac: Nothing new on Alex Pietrangelo and talks with the Blues. Both sides continue to talk.
Bob McKenzie: Talks between Pietrangelo and the Blues, and between Jared Cowen and the Senators are ongoing.
Harvey Fialkov: Panthers GM Dale Tallon is still scouring the free agents. Meaning, he’s looking for bargains.
Chip Alexander: The Hurricanes continue to be interested in Brenden Morrow, but money is the hangup.
Josh Rimer: Morrow in a text to Rimer on if he’s close to signing a deal: “No, not yet. Still talking to a number of teams and staying patient.” … “Teams I’d perfer to play on are having a tough time moving Cap space. I’m in No hurry.”