Scheduling and location options
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The NHL and NHLPA continue to talk about finishing the season somehow, and the neutral site of Grand Forks, North Dakota has been talked about.
There are obviously numerous challenges for this, but they are exploring all options, and the sides will discuss other potential locations.
Players are concerned about future escrow payments – possibly as high as 35 percent.
John Shannon: Have been hearing that Manchester, New Hampshire could be another potential location for the NHL. “IF, and its a big IF…If the NHL was to resume the schedule over the summer.”
Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski of ESPN: Deputy commissioner Bill Daly:
“Depending on where you play those games and the format, we have modeling on how long it would take,” Daly said Saturday on TFP’s “The Hot Stove” on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio. “One scenario would be to play some regular-season games but not the full slate before you hit the playoffs. Obviously, you play as many games as you can play.”
Player options and signings
Lassi Alanen: Potential 2022 top draft pick Brad Lambert has used the option years on his HIFK contract, He’ll remain with HIFK for at least the next two seasons.
Matt Layman: The Arizona Coyotes have signed 2018 sixth-round pick David Tendeck. The goaltender signed a three-year entry-level deal.
Dan Milstein: The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Alexander Barabanov.
- Pierre LeBrun: The entry-level deal is for one-year and $925,000. It is the same deal that Ilya Mikheyev signed a year ago. The Maple Leafs will need to find cheap players for next year with the salary cap uncertainty.
- Aivis Kalnins: “From where I stand – Barabanov has to be given a shot. Do I think he’s got what it takes to be a full-time NHL player? No. However it’s just a one-year prove yourself deal. Leafs lose nothing out of this. But I am excited to see where this goes.”
- Igor Eronko: “Barabanov’s definitely got what it takes to be a full-time NHL player. He won’t be a star, but he could become a great 3rd line player with ability to move up to replace injured guys. His skating is great as well as his work ethics, he’s very strong, he’s a beast one on one.”