On the Florida Panthers …
Brian Lawton: Have been told that Nick Bjugstad trade rumors of him being shopped are NOT true according from several Panthers officials.
Elliotte Friedman: Talk is that the Panthers are a preparing an eight-year contract extension worth around $60 million for defenseman Aaron Ekblad. He’s not eligible to sign any deal before July 1st.
Darren Dreger: Lots of interest in Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov. Nothing is close, but it’s worth watching as the draft approaches.
Renaud Lavoie: The Bruins are one of the teams interested Kulikov
On the New York Rangers …
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Sources saying the Rangers won’t be offering up any of their assets at a discounted price just to create some extra cap space and much needed draft picks.
Have been told that the St. Louis Blues are not interested in trading for Rick Nash, so that ends any Nash for Kevin Shattenkirk trade.
Shattenkirk could be looking for a seven-year deal in the $7 million range, though one source said he might be willing to give the Rangers a bit of hometown discount.
Nash has submitted a list of 12 teams to the Rangers that he’d accept a trade to, and the list doesn’t include any Canadian teams.
The Rangers would like to re-sign Chris Kreider to a long-term deal, which could cost them at least $5 million. A one-year deal could cost them $4 to $4.4 million.
“Chris is open to all options, short-term or long-term,” agent Matt Keator told The Post. “He loves New York. That’s where he wants to be.”
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks GM Jim Benning said they are interested in free agent Milan Lucic and that he plans on talking to Steven Stamkos‘ agent when the interview period opens.
The Canucks want to add an impact winger that could play with the Sedin’s and another one that can score that could move up and down the lineup.