On the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames and Tampa Bay Lightning …
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers are scouting University of North Dakota free agent defenseman Troy Stecher. The Oilers tried to sign free agent goalie Alex Lyon, but he signed with the Flyers.
There is talk that the Flames will try to trade for Lightning goalie Ben Bishop this offseason. The Lightning have Andrei Vasilevskiy ready to take over if Bishop is moved. For the Flames to trade for Bishop, it might cost them Sam Bennett.
On Alexander Radulov …
Jared Clinton of The Hockey News: SovSport.ru reports that Alexander Radulov turned down a long-term offer by CSKA in hopes that he’s able to get a contract from a NHL team.
Teams that are said to be interested in Radulov according to the report are the Maple Leafs, Rangers and Islanders.
There would likely be more teams than that interested in him.
Radulov’s KHL contract expires after this season, one that is believed to be paying him $9 million a season. He’s not expected to make that much in the NHL. He could sign a short-term deal to increase his value if he has a good season.
On the New Jersey Devils …
Rich Chere of NJ.com: Devils GM Ray Shero on if he anticipates there to be significant changes this offseason.
“The significant change last summer was a new general manager and coaching staff. Obviously some players came in and out and we got a little bit younger. This summer, without having our final meetings, we have a certain idea of what we might (be looking to do).
“Some of these younger players took advantage of an opportunity, but next year is next year. Can they do it again? Can a guy like Adam Henrique do it next year? There are always questions about your team, but this summer will be in the same general direction as last year. We’ll see where (Pavel) Zacha and (John) Quenneville are going to be at. We’ll see what happens with some younger defensemen and see if we re-sign Schlemko or not. There will be change. We have to change because right now we’re not good enough.”
