On the Columbus Blue Jackets and Ilya Kovalchuk …
Aaron Portzline: won’t dismiss the reports that have said the Columbus Blue Jackets are inquiring or having interest in Ilya Kovalchuk, but it seems like an unlikely pairing.
Aaron Portzline: The Blue Jackets did talk with Kovalchuk’s agent Jay Grossman when they were signing goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks.
Aaron Portzline: Kovalchuk’s name most certainly came up when they were talking about Kivlenieks, though neither side would confirm or deny it.
Aaron Portzline: It isn’t impossible that they could work out a deal, but have been told that it is an unlikely marriage.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets and Vladislav Gavrikov …
Aaron Portzline: The Blue Jackets are hoping to show defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov around Columbus later this month. Gavrikov is still awaiting his visa to get into the United States. The Blue Jackets think he is ready to play in the NHL next season.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Tribune: The Lightning haven’t asked forward Ryan Callahan to waive his no-movement clause for the expansion draft. If they don’t ask him, or if he refused to waive if asked, they will have to protect him.
He has three years left at a $5.8 million cap hit and would unlikely be selected by Vegas if he was exposed.
There is just over a week for them to approach him, but you would have thought the idea would have done so by now.
GM Steve Yzerman has said he has a good idea of who he would protect. With regards to Callahan, Yzerman said it’s “not something I would discuss with you or anyone.”
Up front it appears they will protect Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Callahan, Jonathan Drouin, Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat. The last forward spot would be between Vladislav Namestnikov or Alex Killorn.