Avalanche not interested in trading first-round draft picks or their top prospects
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: (mailbag) There is a good chance that Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie is traded before the trade deadline or in the offseason.
The Avs will soon have three right-handed defensemen in Cale Makar, Conor Timmins and Barrie – making Barrie expendable. He has a year left at $5.5 million.
Timmins is currently recovering from injury and Makar is expected to sign his entry-level contract when his NCAA season is over.
GM Joe Sakic said earlier this week that coach Jared Bednar is not on the hot seat right now. If they don’t get back to winning next season then that could change (Chambers comments and not Sakic’s).
Teams are calling the Ducks
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: On Eastern Conference team executive said the Ducks are listening to lots of players right now.
Another Eastern executive wondered about Adam Henrique – five-year, $29.125 extension kicks in next year.
Maple Leafs and Hurricanes still scouting each other
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: The Maple Leafs continue to scout the Carolina Hurricanes. Are they looking at a Hurricanes defenseman or forward Micheal Ferland, the Hurricanes may not be looking to move Ferland now though.
Maple Leafs management and coaching staff really like Jake Gardiner and would love to have him back but with still needing to re-sign Mitch Marner and the money he’ll be looking for, it’s hard to see him back. If they are able to move enough salary out, the could make him an offer.
Anisimov may be available
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Hearing that the Chicago Blackhawks could make Artem Anisimov available. Has a 10-team trade list, two years left at a $4.55 million cap hit but only $7 million in salary. Would the Blue Jackets be interested?
Kovalchuk might be tough for a contender to take on
TSN: Pierre LeBrun believes that Ilya Kovalchuk would waive his no-trade clause to go to a contender. He has two years left at $6.25 million – a deal that was front-loaded. I may be a tough sell for a contending team.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: The Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights and San Jose Sharks were among the teams interested in Ilya Kovalchuk before he signed with the LA Kings last offseason.