On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports: The Coyotes have Connor Murphy, Luke Schenn and Zbynek Michalek on the right side of their blueline, and when Michael Stone is ready to return, they will have a “bit of a logjam” on their blueline. This has increased speculation that they could looking to make a deal or two for a top-four defenseman, a top-six right winger or possibly another left winger if they are not able to re-sign Tobias Rieder.
“We’re still looking at some different options; different things to do,” Chayka said. “If there’s a move that helps everyone and creates some flexibility for us … that’s what we’re evaluating right now.
“There’s still some work to be done.”
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Coyotes Max Domi on Sportsnet 590 on being in trade rumors with the Maple Leafs and the first overall draft pick.
“I thought it was pretty funny, to be honest with you. But that stuff, it’s amazing how fast the fire can spread, so to speak. One guy tweets something, and all of the sudden everyone’s a GM. (Laughs)
“So it’s pretty funny, but at the end of the day, whatever happens happens. For me, I’d be completely satisfied to spend the rest of my career in Arizona. I love it there. The people are outstanding. It’s easy living. Healthy lifestyle. Good people around there.
“Hey, if that would have happened, I definitely would have addressed that for sure, but Auston – I got to know him a little bit. He’s a great kid. He’s going to do a great job with the Leafs, that’s for sure.”
On the Calgary Flames …
Luke Fox of Sportsnet: Contract talks between the Flames and Johnny Gaudreau’s agent continue. Gaudreau on the talks:
“Honestly, I’m not even involved,” Gaudreau said, “I try to stay out of it as much as possible. I don’t like getting different numbers in my head. Hoping for this, hoping for that, how many years—it’s just, I don’t really enjoy that stuff. Whatever my agent thinks is best for me is what I’m going to do. He does a really good job with his players, so I have all the faith in him that he’ll get something done.”
Gaudreau isn’t sure how talks are progressing with the Flames other RFA, Sean Monahan.
“I’m not sure how his deal’s going, but we’re on the same page,” Gaurdeau said. “We’re both really excited we’re in Calgary. It’s a great city that’s so passionate about hockey, and the fans are great to us. We both want to be there for a long time with how great that city’s treated us the past two years.”
