On the Colorado Avalanche …
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: There is a report from Sport-Express that Nikita Zadorov has agreed to terms of a potential deal with CSKA of the KHL. Zadorov is waiting until the end of the month to see if Avalanche make a better offer.
On Artur Tyanulin …
Russian Prospects: @Sport_BO is reporting that Artur Tyanulin (Ottawa 67ers) signed with Ak Bars of the KHL and turned down NHL development camp invites from the Montreal Canadiens and Arizona Coyotes.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Howard Berger of Between the Posts: James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak will have a combined cap hit of $8.45 million in the last year of their deals. There is the sense that the Leafs won’t be able to retain them after this season. There is talk that one or both could be on the move.
Trading Bozak and/or van Riemsdyk won’t bring in top defenseman or a second line forward of similar value.
On the Dallas Stars …
Sean Shapiro: After yesterday’s interviews, sounding like Jason Spezza will play on the wing next season. Martin Hanzal doesn’t play wing and will be a top-six center for the Stars.
Mark Stepneski of Between the Blue Lines: Stars GM Jim Nill on Valeri Nichushkin‘s expected return after next season.
“He’s staying in Russia. I talked to Val, he had a commitment and he knew that going in. He talked to the team, and he knew he had to go back one more year. I had a good talk with him and told him you’re going to playing in all the national team tournaments and get a chance to make the Olympics. Take advantage of it. It’s a great year of development for him. He’s excited about that. And then he comes back the following year.”