On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Jay Zawaski: Hearing that the Blackhawks could invite defenseman Cody Franson to training camp – assuming on a PTO – if he doesn’t sign a contract by then.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan: RFA Jordan Martinook‘s agent, Jeff Helperl, said that contract talks with Coyotes GM John Chayka “have been going well so far.” Salary arbitration is set for July 26th.
On the Boston Bruins …
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins and Ryan Spooner have an arbitration hearing scheduled for July 26th.
It’s looking like that if he goes through arbitration, he could be awarded a deal between $2.7 million and $3.5 million next year.
Despite averaging 44 points the past two seasons, Spooner was a healthy in some of their playoff games and has been in the rumor mill since the season ended.
Back in April, GM Don Sweeney didn’t seem that committed to Spooner’s future with the team.
“To be determined,” said Sweeney at the end-of-the-season press conference. “We’ll look at our roster and what our options are. has options as well as an RFA. We’ll have discussions with his representatives and see where there’s a fit.
“Ryan’s a talented player. He’s had a lot of success. Our power play is better when he plays as well as he’s capable of playing, and he can really be a good complement to our group.”
It might be worthwhile for the Bruins – if at a reasonable number – to hold on to Spooner to see if he can maintain or improve his play. Part of their power play success if because of Spooner.
Once a decision on Spooner is made, could actually see them trying to move David Krejci. There are some analytics that suggest Spooner could be as good as Krejci as their second line center, if not better.
The 31-year old Krejci has a $7.25 million salary cap hit, is slowing down, and has a no-movement clause.