On the Florida Panthers and Arizona Coyotes …
George Richards: The Florida Panthers have traded defenseman Jason Demers to the Arizona Coyotes for forward Jamie McGinn.
Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: Demers’ and McGinn played with each other in San Jose. Demers was talking to McGinn on the phone last night, with Demers saying he was excited to join McGinn in Arizona, then McGinn told Demers’ that he was going to Florida.
“He was excited that he was coming here, so he could play with me,” McGinn said. “I let him know that I was the one going the other way, so he didn’t know.”
Elliotte Friedman: The Panthers retain 12.5 percent of Demers’ salary.
George Richards: Panthers GM Dale Tallon didn’t sign Jason Demers to his five-year contract at a $4.5 million salary cap hit. He also didn’t sign forward Reilly Smith to his five-year deal with a $5 million cap hit. Smith was traded in June.
Sarah McLellan: Demers is expected to be in Arizona this afternoon or tomorrow morning. His first practice will likely be Wednesday at the earliest.
Dave Vest: Coyotes GM John Chayka on Demers: “We’ve got a guy who’s here for 4 years that’s a top-4, right-shot defenseman that can play 20 minutes & special teams.”
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
David Shoalts of Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs Joffrey Lupul failed his physical last week. Last night Lupul said on Instagram that he’s healthy and ready to go.
“I’m ready.. Just awaiting the call..”
Before deleting it, he posted:
“Haha failed physical. They cheat, everyone lets them.”
Lupul could file a grievance through the NHLPA. A Maple Leafs spokesperson wouldn’t comment.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Joe Smith: Defenseman Anton Stralman missed his third straight day of camp. He’s day-to-day.
On the New Jersey Devils …
Andrew Gross: Forward Brian Boyle missed his second straight day of camp for personal reasons.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Ansar Khan: Defenseman Niklas Kronwall is still not skating due to back spasms.
On the Minnesota Wild …
Michael Russo: Wild coach Bruce Boudreau on Ryan Malone.
“I’m very surprised, pleasantly by the way. Here’s a guy that’s been out of hockey a couple years now, and he’s come back. What I’ve liked, his enthusiasm for a 37-year-old. I mean, he’s smiling, laughing. It’s something, when you take something away, you don’t realize how much you miss it. And he looks like he’s missed hockey and wants to become a player. He’s doing everything he can to get back to where he was.”