On the Vancouver Canucks …
Matthew Sekeres: Sekeres understanding that the Canucks will buy out Chris Higgins and not Alex Burrows.
News 1130 Sports: The Canucks have called the agents for Loui Eriksson, Mikkel Boedker, Darren Helm and Andrew Ladd.
News 1130 Sports: Steven Stamkos‘ agent Don Meehan wouldn’t comment if the Canucks have called about Stamkos.
On New York Rangers …
Dave Shapiro: NHLN reported that the Rangers are in on Steven Stamkos and that they will make a big offer.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Chris Nichols: Darren Dreger: The Red Wings are interested in Steven Stamkos, and if they are not able to sign him, backup options could be Loui Eriksson, Mikkel Boedker, Kyle Okposo or maybe David Backes.
On the Florida Panthers …
Harvey Fialkov: Panthers GM Tom Rowe said that he’d like to fill a third line spot with a free agent.
Harvey Fialkov: Rowe on if they are interested in Steven Stamkos: “At this point he’s not a high priority”
Harviey Fialkov: Rowe admitted that they are working on a huge contract for Aaron Ekblad and he’s “not going anywhere.’
Harvey Fialkov: Rowe said that Keith Yandle was in the works since the Erik Gudbranson trade, which was more about getting the salary cap space than getting the draft picks and Jared McCann.
Harvey Fialkov: Rowe said that the Dmitry Kulikov – Mark Pysyk trade had been in the works for awhile. The Panthers needed a right-handed defenseman once Gudbranson was traded.
Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel: Source saying the Panthers have already made a qualifying offer to Vincent Trocheck, so if he signs an offer sheet, the Panthers can match it if they want. They’ve been working on a multi-year deal with him for months.
The Panthers aren’t expected to re-sign Al Montoya, Brian Campbell, Willie Mitchell, Jiri Hudler or Teddy Purcell.
Free agent right wingers that the Panthers could talk to include Loui Eriksson and Kyle Okposo.
Harvey Fialkov: Troy Brouwer could be another option for the Panthers.