- Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: Gordon wonders if P.K. Subban’s agent Don Meehan could start contract talks at Evgeni Malkin money, eight years and $76 million. If they think that Lars Eller passed Tomas Plekanec on their “go-to two-way center,” Plekanec could get a pricey return. Plekanec has a no-trade clause. They are not likely to bring back Francis Bouillon and Douglas Murray.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Teams usually end paying players regardless if they underperformed. Brooks on Thomas Vanek: “No evidence at all the winger is remotely worth the seven-year, $50 million deal he rejected from the Islanders before being sent to Montreal at the deadline. No evidence he is anyone’s missing piece to a playoff puzzle.” Vanek has been rumored to the Wild for months. The demand for free agents this summer exceeds the supply. If Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin doesn’t give P.K. Subban a deal in the eight-year, $8 million per year range, they may not see Subban in a Canadiens uniform for awhile.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland is expected to talk with Mike Babcock as early as this week. AHL head coach Jeff Blashill is close to signing an extension. Both coaches have a year left on their deal.
“I told him some (NHL) teams have called; he’s very happy where he’s at,” Holland said. “I think he’d like to spend another year or two in the AHL getting more experience coaching pros.
“We’re talking about a significant salary increase in return for him being patient for another year or two.”
Holland has given teams permission to talk with Tom Renney and Bill Peters. Renney is a candidate for the Panthers position. The Hurricanes and Canucks are also looking for coaches.
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals GM Brian MacLellan on if he’ll be active on the trade front.
“I don’t know. We’re going to see what’s available. I get the sense that with the cap going up and a limited free agent market that there might be a few more names than there has been in the last couple years, so we’ll see where it goes.”
On if he needs to make changes to their current roster.
“I think we can get more out of this roster. I think this coach is going to bring more out of this roster and then we’ll add from there. …The challenge will be to stay patient and pick and choose your opportunities and not try to be too aggressive.”