On the Colorado Avalanche and Ottawa Senators …
Tom Hunter: The Avs director of amateur scouting Alan Hepple said they aren’t ruling out the Senators handing over the No. 4 pick this year so they can retain their 2019 first-round pick and not give it to the Avalanche.
Tom Hunter: Happle added that he expects the Senators will hold on to the No. 4 pick, but they have to be prepared just in case.
On the Edmonton Oilers …
Jim Matheson: Would imagine that Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli has made his pitch to the Ottawa Senators for defenseman Erik Karlsson or winger Mike Hoffman.
Jim Matheson: Of course the Oilers would love to get Karlsson, but can’t figure out how they would be able to fit an extension in – in the $10 million range – when they have Connor McDavid at $12.5 million, Leon Draisaitl at $8.5 million, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins at $6 million. The Oilers could need to move out at least $6 million.
Jim Matheson: “Sorry but I don’t see the rush to judgment on trading Lucic after one bad year which would leave Oilers with one fewer top 9 winger. Maybe Oilers would take back Stars’ Spezza but his game last yr dropped off the map too.”
On the Boston Bruins …
Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston: The Bruins acquired the 31-year old pending UFA defenseman Nick Holden at the trade deadline from the Rangers. He was only able to get into two playoff games for the Bruins.
Back in May when they were cleaning out their lockers, Holden said he wouldn’t mind returning. With a crowded blue line, that may not happen unless they move out a left-handed defenseman or if he’s willing to re-sign under market value.
More likely than not some team will offer him more than the Bruins could offer.
The door hasn’t been completely closed on Holden, but he’ll likely be testing what else is out there.