On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports: Coyotes GM John Chayka on why it’s taking so long for them to re-sign restricted free agent Anthony Duclair.
“The easy answer is that Duclair didn’t have a good year, but the truth is that same question can be asked of a lot of players in similar situations this summer,” said Coyotes president of hockey operations and general manager John Chayka, who spoke to Arizona Sports before the news of Chychrun’s injury was announced. “Why isn’t Leon Draisaitl, who had a great year, signed? Why isn’t David Pastrnak signed?
“I don’t think there are any real issues. I’m confident it will happen. Some deals just taking longer but we’ve been working at it. A lot of deals feel like they’re never going to get done and then they get done in short order.”
Duclair’s agent continues to say that talks have been productive and positive.
Shane Doan‘s agent, Terry Bross, said again that nothing has changed. He’s spoken with four or five teams and that a decision may not be made until right before training camp.
“Slow market for veterans,” Bross said. “Lots of tire kicking.”
Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: The Coyotes traded for defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson before the draft and signed Adam Clendening for added depth. They had still considered adding someone else before Jakob Chychrun’s injury/surgery.
The Coyotes were thinking that Chychrun could be on their second pairing with Alex Goligoski moving to the right side.
If Chychrun isn’t ready for the start of season, Goligoski could stay on the left side. They could use a minor leaguer to fill out their depth or they could look at the free agent or trade market.
Veteran defensemen Cody Franson and Dennis Wideman are still looking for a contract.
The Golden Knights could be open to the idea of trading a left-handed defensemen – Luca Sbisa, Clayton Stoner or Griffin Reinhart. The Sabres, Canucks, Predators and Red Wings may have defensemen available.