- Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: The Blackhawks would like to re-sign Bryan Bickell for around $1.5-$2 million a season, but he would get more than that if he hit the open market.
The Canucks will interview former Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. LA Kings assistant John Stevens could get an interview. Dallas Eakinsmay get a second interview.
Rangers GM Glen Sather will wait and see what happens with Dave Tippett.
On the Avs first overall pick: “To pass below (No. 3 overall) will take a heck of an offer, something we are going to say … no choice but to take it,” Roy said.
Patrick Roy said they’ve already reached out to Matt Duchene about starting contract extension talks.
It would take huge offer to get the Panthers to move down from No. 2. One executive has heard that the Panthers and Lightning could be talking Erik Gudbranson for the No. 3. Friedman mentioned it someone who said “nothing to it.”
The Coyotes are looking for offense.
Hide your RFA defenseman from the Flyers.
Guillaume Latendresse could end up in Europe.
The Islanders are telling teams they would make it worthwhile if they took Rick DiPietro. They would take a bad contract in return, and might include picks or prospects. One GM said it would have to be one heck of an asset.
Tim Thomas’ agent, Bill Zito, said it’s “status quo.”
- Dustin Leed: Last summer the Flyers were in trade talks with prior to the Shea Weber offer sheet. It could heat up with the Blues this summer. The Blues won’t trade RFA Alex Pietrangelo, but something could be worked out involving RFA Kevin Shattenkirk.
- Arthur Staple: Staple doesn’t think the Islanders will be trading for Roberto Luongo. At age 34 and a killer contract, it’s not worth giving up the assets. Sense is that the Islanders will go to training camp with Nabokov/Poulin/Nilsson as their goalies. On the blueline, Matt Donovan likely to fill Streit’s spot.