On the New York Rangers …
Bob McKenzie: The NY Rangers are close to signing free agent Brendan Smith to a four-year contract extension.
Bob McKenzie: Smith’s deal will carry a salary cap hit of $4.35 million.
Chris Nichols: Darren Dreger on TSN 690: “I know that one of my #NYR sources on the draft floor suggested that they would kick tires on Joe Thornton.”
On the Dallas Stars …
Chris Nichols: Darren Dreger on TSN 1260 on the Dallas Stars: “I think they’re going to add a forward or two” and that it makes sense this veteran team would look to add a veteran player.
Chris Nichols: Dreger continuing on the Stars: “I know this is true. They have considerable interest in Justin Williams.”
Sean Shapiro: The Stars have nine defenseman now so they will have to make some moves. Marc Methot is a definite upgrade and fits in with their long-term left side transition plan.
Darren Dreger: The Stars have now shifted to looking at forwards after trading for Methot. Can see the Stars being interested in someone like Justin Williams.
On Justin Williams …
Pierre LeBrun: Free agent winger Justin Williams is narrowing his list down to a smaller group. List will be about fit and if they have a chance to win.
JJ Regan: LeBrun’s tweet doesn’t bode well for the Capitals chances of re-signing Williams.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Rick Dhaliwal: Have been told that the Canucks are interested again in Sam Gagner.
Rick Dhaliwal: As of yesterday the Canucks are not one of the teams that have called on Nail Yakupov.
On Brian Boyle …
Pierre LeBrun: Don’t believe the Maple Leafs have shown much interest in center Brian Boyle so far. As of yesterday several teams had reached out to him.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Michael Russo: Hearing that Chad Johnson could be returning to the Sabres.