- Craig Custance of ESPN: Offseason focus of Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin.
1. Sign P.K. Subban to a long-term deal – There is the threat of an offer sheet as the cap is going and the unrestricted free agent market is thin. Subban should get a max deal and could be at more than $8 million a season.
2. Let Vanek walk, re-sign Gionta and Markov – The Canadiens got Thomas Vanek for a reasonable price, but he was a basically a nonfactor during the playoffs. Brian Gionta and Andrei Markov should be brought back for the right price.
3. Cash in on Rene Bourque’s strong postseason – The Canadiens and Avalanche talked about a Bourque trade during the season. Bourque’s trade value may have increased from a strong playoff. He has two years left with a $3.3 million cap hit. His salary drops to $2.5 million, so budget teams may have an increased interest.
- Scott Powers of ESPN: Kevin Hayes’ agent, Robert Murray, said that they are expected to start contract negotiations when the Blackhawks season is over. Murray said on Wednesday Hayes has still not decided whether he’ll sign with the Hawks.
“There’s no decision that he’s not going to sign with Chicago,” Murray said in late April. “I’ve tried to stress that with Chicago. That’s not the intent — because he hasn’t signed yet, That’s not the case.”
- Denny Kapp: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said on Detroit radio that he’ll be meeting with Mike Babcock to discuss a contract extension starting next week. Holland thinks that Babcock wants it as much as the Wings do.