- Craig Morgan of Fox Sports Arizona: Coyotes GM Don Maloney said on the weekend that they have had preliminary talks with Radim Vrbata regarding a contract extension. He’s entering the final year of his three-year, $9 million deal.
“He’s been a very good player for us and we’ve had great value for what we’re paying him,” Maloney said. “I feel like we’re always fair in our contracts — my idea of fair and other camps’ idea may be different — but when you look at his numbers, he’s probably earned more.”
Vrbata is looking for a fair deal.
“It’s not always about the money,” Vrbata said. “You want to be paid fair, but sometimes it’s better to take less and be in a good situation. I’m living proof of that when you look at what happened to me in Tampa.
“Phoenix is the place where I’ve had the most success, where we like it as a family and where I like it as a hockey player. All the people around the team, Tip, Don, Shane (Doan) and the players, they make it a great situation for me. I wanted to be here even when the ownership situation was in limbo. With this new ownership group in place, it makes it even more appealing.”
- Andy Strickland: The Blues and RFA Alex Pietrangelo continue to talk. Trying to get a deal done before players report today for the official start of camp.
- Jonas Siegel: Unlikely that RFA Cody Franson will be attend the start of Leafs camp. Both sides are far apart, but that can change with one phone call. Don’t expect it to be a two-year deal, a one-year is the likeliest. When Franson signs, the Leafs will likely need to create some room with demotions or trades. Bob McKenzie: There has been no progress or movement between the Maple Leafs and Franson.
- Nick Kypreos: Nazem Kadri will make $2.7 million this year and $3.1 million next year. Darren Dreger: Kadri’s $2.9 million was only $25,000 more than the Leafs offer from a month ago. Dan Rosen: With offer sheets non-existent and a holdout being the only leverage, was likely the only deal he was going to get. Missing camp would have done him no good. Darren Dreger: Kadri’s willingness to go the bridge contract route was presented to the Leafs yesterday afternoon.
- Dan Rosen: Rangers RFA Derek Stepan should get more than Kadri’s $2.9 million as he’s done and proven more. Sabres RFA Cody Hodgson should be around or slightly less than Kadri’s $2.9 million.
- Aaron Ward: Ilya Bryzgalov’s name has come up with the Panthers. There has not been an offer, but it has been contemplated.