Rangers interview Gallant, hire Grier
Pierre LeBrun: Gerard Gallant interviewed with the New York Rangers before heading off to the World Championships.
- Pierre LeBrun: Expect that the Rangers will interview three or four more coaching candidates.
Larry Brooks: The Rangers have hired Mike Grier as an advisor to hockey operations. Chris Drury and Grier have a connecion dating back to the mid-90’s when they were teammates at BU.
Kuznetsov, Samsonov still in protocol
Samantha Pell: Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov and goaltender Ilya Samsonov remain on the NHL’s COVID protocol related absence list. It’s the 11th consecutive day.
Senators extend Zub
Dan Milstein: The Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Artem Zub to a two-year contract extension.
- Elliotte Friedman: The two-year deal carries a $2.5 million salary cap hit. He’ll get $1.75 million next year and $3.25 million the following year.
Bruce Garrioch: The Senators told pending RFA goaltender Marcus Hogberg that he won’t be qualified.
Hurricanes sign Tieksola
Puck Pedia: The Carolina Hurricanes have signed 2019 fourth-round pick, forward Tuukka Tieksola to a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal carries an $832,000 salary cap hit and has a European assignment clause.
2021-22: $750,000 base salary, $60,000 signing bonus, $70,000 in the minors.
2022-23: 750,000 base salary, $65,000 signing bonus, $70,000 in the minors.
2023-24: 775,000 base salary, $70,000 signing bonus, $70,000 in the minors.
Hartman Fined
NHL Player Safety: Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman was fined $5,000 for a dangerous trip on St. Louis Blues forward Sammy Blais.
Arena capacity
Jeremy Rutherford: Arena capacity for playoff teams.
Nashville: 12,135
St. Louis: 9,000
Colorado: 7,750
Vegas: 7,567
Tampa Bay: 7,000
New York Islanders: 6,800
Pittsburgh: 5,000
Washington: 5,000
Minnesota: 4,500
Boston: 4,291
Carolina: Unknown
Florida: Unknown
Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg: 0