On Alexei Emelin …
Aivis Kalnins: If defenseman Alexei Emelin doesn’t get an NHL contract that is worth him remaining, he could return to the KHL next year.
On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Sam Carchidi: (answering question) Defenseman Ian Cole and forward Michael Grabner would be good fits with the Flyers and they might be able to afford both players.
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Chris Nichols of FRS Hockey: Hurricanes GM Don Waddell was on Sirius XM NHL Network. Waddell said they are looking at all positions when asked about trade speculation involving Jeff Skinner and Justin Faulk.
“We want to make change, but when you make change you want to make sure you’re making the right change and making the right decision, because anybody can make just change for the sake of making change. But if you’re not making your hockey club better with those changes, it might make sense to take another look at it.
“The guys you mentioned are guys certainly that people have called about. I’ve made it (clear) to every general manager I’ve talked to we’re looking to make changes. Certainly when other teams are calling they usually want to call about your better players. We’re in discussions with not only those players, but multiple players.”
The Hurricanes made a big leap in the draft, moving up to No. 2.
“Obviously getting the No. 2 pick in the NHL draft coming up probably means we’re going to be able to put a player right on our team. If we keep the pick, which it looks like that’s the way it’s going right now – that’s exciting.”
Waddell said they need to fix their goaltending and hopefully can do so this offseason.
“We know we have to make change there,” reiterated Waddell concerning the goaltending. “We know we can’t bring the same two guys back.”
Waddell adds that they’ve told all the GMs that he’s talked to that they are in the market for a goaltender.