- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch names some GM who could be in trouble this offseason: David Poile (NSH) – if he goes, coach Barry Trotz is likely gone as well. Poile has been the GM since 1998. Assistant GM Paul Fenton could be ready to take over. Mike Gillis (VAN) – if they don’t make the playoffs, it may come down to Gillis or Tortorella. George McPhee (WSH) – his contract is up after the season. Brian Burke in Calgary may be waiting for McPhee.
The Senators will have decisions to make on Jason Spezza this offseason. The Ducks and Blues inquired about Spezza at the deadline, but they didn’t have serious talks as the Senators will still in the hunt.
If the Senators can keep Ales Hemsky, they should do it.
Assuming the Blues re-sign Ryan Miller and Ducks re-sign Jonas Hiller, Jaroslav Halak could get interest if he hits the open market. Would make sense for the Capitals to try and re-sign Halak. Other teams that could be looking for a goaltender this summer are the Islanders, Flames, Wild and Canucks.
If Seattle gets an expansion team, don’t be surprised if Jeremy Roenick is named as the team president. He has ties with one of the groups that is interested in bringing in a team. Quebec City makes sense for a team and have started to build a new arena. Las Vegas has also made a pitch for a team.
The Sabres would still like to move Drew Stafford, Tyler Ennis and Christian Ehrhoff. They would also listen to offers on Tyler Myers.
It is possible that the Canadiens look to re-sign Thomas Vanek, but many think he’ll be end up in Minnesota. Don’t count out the Kings.
The Panthers are trying to re-sign RFA Dmitry Kulikov. GM Dale Tallon has offered a four-year deal worth $20 million, but Kulikov is looking for four-years and $22 million.
You have think that James Reimer won’t be back with the Maple Leafs. He’s been linked to the Jets.
Hurricanes Cam Ward could also be on the move.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons thinks the trade market for James Reimer is limited. There may only be three teams that he could start for: the Islanders, Sabres and Flames. He could complete for the No. 1 with the Jets, Canucks and Oilers. Simmons doesn’t think they would get much for him. There is more supply than demand in the goalie market.
The Flyers are interested in college UFA defenseman Christian Folin. The Leafs are not interested.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather on talk of his retirement.
“Everybody retires sometime, but I’m not intending to step away or retire from anything this year,” Sather told Slap Shots on Friday in Columbus, Ohio. “I don’t know how stories like this keep coming up, because I haven’t said anything to anybody about retiring. … One day, yes. But not now.”
“There comes a time where you do think about your lifestyle and maybe some of the things you might do if you weren’t doing this job,” he said. “But that’s not where my thoughts are now. I’m working to build this team into a Stanley Cup winner. That’s my priority. That’s what I’m focused on. … I’m not thinking about stepping back, or a change in my title or in my responsibilities.”
- Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove: Talk on Christian Folin and Jack Eichel. P.K. Subban and the Canadiens will talk after the season and it could be around Shea Weber numbers. The Blues and Ryan Miller will talk after the season. Paul Maurice will decide after the season if he wants to return as the Jets head coach.
