Catching up on some NHL news and notes from the past couple days …
On League news and notes …
Pierre LeBrun: The Board of Governors won’t be voting on Seattle expansion during the June meetings.
Nick Cotsonika: Gary Bettman said there is still lots to do regarding Seattle expansion. Things are on target and the Board of Governors could address it in the fall or early winter.
Nick Cotsonika: There has been no pushback from owners regarding the expansion draft rules according to Bettman.
Dobber Hockey: Bettman said that they are still open to a potential expansion team in Quebec City. He wouldn’t rule it out, but was non-committal beyond that.
Dennis Bernstein: Bill Daly: “salary cap should land between 78-82M next season. Depends on our conversation about inflator with NHLPA”
John Shannon: Bettman says the Ottawa Senators are not for sale and that owner Eugene Melnyk is committed to the city.
Greg Wyshynski: Daly said the Arizona Coyotes currently have three options for a new arena.
On the Anaheim Ducks …
Eric Stephens: The Ducks will be signing 2017 second-round pick Antoine Morand to a three-year entry-level pick.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
Arizona Coyotes: The Coyotes have signed forward Mario Kempe to a one-year, two-way contract.
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Michael Smith: The Hurricanes have signed defenseman Trevor Carrick to a one-year, two-way contract – $700,000 in the NHL and $80,000 in the AHL, with $95,000 guaranteed.
On the Dallas Stars …
Sean Shapiro: Stars prospect Riley Tufte said he’ll be returning to UMD for his junior season.
On the Montreal Canadiens …
Montreal Canadiens: The Canadiens have signed free agent defensemen David Sklenick and Michal Moravcik to two-year, entry-level contracts.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Cap Friendly: The Maple Leafs have re-signed pending restricted free agent goaltender Kasimir Kaskisuo to a two-year, two-way contract. He’ll be a group six UFA if he doesn’t play in at least 28 games during the two years. 2018-19: $650,000 in the NHL and $100,000 in the minors … 2019-20: $700,000 in the NHL and $100,000 in the minors.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Rick Dhaliwal: Canucks defenseman Erik Gudbranson: “I am pushing the shoulder pretty hard, it’s been 11 weeks and that is a good sign.”
On the Vegas Golden Knights and Washington Capitals …
Dan Rosen: Coach Gerard Gallant said that Jonathan Marchessault didn’t skate during their optional skate yesterday but is 100 percent.
Tom Wilson….you can’t do that pic.twitter.com/HF4mORSowc
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) May 29, 2018
NBC Sports PR: Top 10 markets for Monday’s Game 1.
1 Las Vegas 28.08
2 Wash, DC 16.02
3 Pittsburgh 10.31
4 Baltimore 9.07
5 Buffalo 8.84
6 Richmond 6.92
7 Minn-St. Paul 6.58
8 St. Louis 5.22
9 Denver 5.11
10 Ft. Myers 4.71