On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan: The Coyotes and Red Wings have talked about Pavel Datsyuk and an asset, but it’s not on the front burner.
Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: Coyotes GM John Chayka
“If we do stay at seven and 20, then we’ll get good players,” General Manager John Chayka said. “If we make a decision to move, then we’ll get good players that way, as well.”
Chayka on the speculation of Coyotes trading up to the No. 1 slot and draft Scottsdale’s Auston Matthews.
“We’re looking to improve our team,” Chayka said. “Auston’s a great player. He would improve anyone’s team I think, but there’s a limit to what you’re willing to pay to do that.”
They won’t trade Oliver Ekman-Larsson or sacrifice their future.
“When you’re creating massive holes like some players would be if you moved them, what’s your capacity to fill those holes internally or through the free-agency market?” he said. “That’s kind of the opportunity cost you’re looking at when you move a player of an Ekman-Larsson or (Max) Domi stature and some of our prospects coming that we really like. So if you’re plugging a hole and creating another hole, it doesn’t really add up a lot of times.”
Chayka has received a pretty impressive offer for trading down.
“We’ve gone through scenarios,” he said. “We’ve talked to teams that we think have interest. It’s something that comes down to the (draft) table.”
On the Florida Panthers …
Harvey Fialkov: Panthers GM Tom Rowe is confident they will be able to sign Keith Yandle.
George Richards: Dale Tallon said that there is no update on Keith Yandle – negotiations are ongoing and are in the early stages.
Andy Strickland: It’s going to have to take a really good offer from the Panthers to sign Yandle and keep him from going to free agency.
Harvey Fialkov: Tallon noted that a veteran backup goalie may come through free agency.
Jameson Olive: Rowe said the Panthers won’t be drafting a goalie this year. They will take the best player available with each of their picks.