On the Boston Bruins …
Jimmy Murphy: Source saying that the Bruins and restricted free agent forward David Pastrnak are close on a new contract. Not exactly sure on the numbers, but would guess that it’s a five-year deal at around $5.8 to $6 million a season.
Jimmy Murphy: It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Bruins announced the signing by the end of Development Camp on Sunday.
On the Edmonton Oilers and Jaromir Jagr …
Jim Matheson: It’s unlikely that the Oilers are interested in winger Jaromir Jagr even though he could help their power play and put up 40-50 points. Jagr likes to slow the game down when he’s on the ice.
Jonathan Willis: (comment on Matheson’s tweet) “Interesting. I don’t disagree necessarily, but team speed hasn’t exactly been a priority for EDM under Chiarelli.”
On the Columbus Blue Jackets and Jaromir Jagr …
Aaron Portzline: (asked about Jagr) Though it would be great to have Jaromir Jagr around, doesn’t think the Blue Jackets have the room on their roster to use him correctly.
On the Colorado Avalanche …
Adrian Dater: Source saying that there is no chance that Avs RFA defenseman Nikita Zadorov will sign with a team in the KHL. He’ll likely be signing with the Avs some time soon.
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Darren Dreger on TSN 1290 on the Colorado’s asking price for Matt Duchene.
“It’s definitely the holdup,” said hockey Insider Darren Dreger during a Tuesday afternoon appearance on Winnipeg’s TSN 1290. “And the ask depends on the team that Joe Sakic is negotiating with, or the team that has expressed interest. I’ve heard that it’s been as high as a couple of first-round picks, or at least a first-round pick and a former first-round draft pick who’s now a young NHL prospect, and then some and then some.”
It’s hard blame Sakic for asking for a lot for an impactful top-six forward. It could become problematic though if it drags into next season and could become an even bigger distraction.
“So there’s still time now. And let’s not lose sight of who represents Matt Duchene, and that’s Pat Brisson and CAA Sports. Arguably they are one of – if not the most – powerful agencies in the sport. So I don’t know that Pat Brisson is going to exert more pressure than he has already – he’s more respectful than that – but he’s a deal-maker.
“So I wouldn’t sign off on Matt Duchene coming back to the Colorado Avalanche just yet.”