On the Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators …
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Blackhawks think they’ll be able to find a way to re-sign RFA Andrew Shaw. He made $2 million this year and could look for $3.5 million. The Blackhawks may be forced to trade him, for some cheaper options, especially on the point. Would the Oilers consider Shaw for Brandon Davidson? Shaw would be a perfect fit as the Oilers third line center.
The Oilers should target pending UFA Troy Brouwer.
If there is an expansion draft next year, do the Penguins look to trade Marc-Andre Fleury and protect Matt Murray?
Marc Crawford seems to be the ideal coach for the Senators.
Oilers defenseman Andrew Ference had hip surgery in March, so it’s unlikely that the Oilers would be able to buy him out.
On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman on trying to fit Andrew Shaw into their cap situation next season.
“Andrew’s a big part of this team and he has been for the last few years. Whenever we get these questions on the salary cap, it’s sort of a broken record, but we’ll just see where it’s at. We do a lot of planning internally, but until the number is actually out, I (can’t) answer that better.”
Bowman on Artemi Panarin reaching his $2.75 million bonuses that will count against next years salary cap.
“… And also, you look at the impact he had on our team, we wouldn’t be where we are today without his contributions. (With) the bonuses … we always find a way to make that work in the summertime. But I couldn’t be happier for him. He came in here, he took a chance on us. He had a lot of options. I think we owed it to him to put him in the best position to succeed and you could tell from the beginning of the season when he scored the first goal in the first game and there was some magic all year long.”