On the Florida Panthers …
Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Dave Bolland has three years left with a $5.5 million cap hit and is not expected to play another game with the Panthers.
There is a mutual interest between Brian Campbell (UFA) and the Panthers, but he would have to take a pay cut to return.
It’s unlikely that Quinton Howden (RFA) will return next year.
Very unlikely that Jiri Hudler (UFA) will return next year.
The Panthers haven’t had any serious talks with backup Al Montoya (UFA), so it’s likely that they will be looking for a new backup.
Teddy Purcell (UFA) could return, but only if the price is right. They won’t overpay.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning and St. Louis Blues …
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: A big contract is awaiting Nikita Kucherov this offseason. Alex Killorn is also a RFA on July 1st. After next season, Jonathan Drouin, Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat will be RFAs. It will be hard for the Lightning to lose Steven Stamkos. He’ll get a seven year deal from someone, and it will likely be inflated towards the end of it.
If the 32-year old David Backes is looking for a long-term deal, he won’t be getting it from the Blues.
On the St. Louis Blues …
Lou Korac of In The Slot: Brian Elliott on if he thinks it will be him and Jake Allen in net for the Blues next season.
“For next year? I don’t know. I’m sure there’s going to be changes in the locker room; there always are. We’ll see what happens how everything shakes out.”
Elliott on if he could be the backup to Allen next year.
“You want to play. That’s what it all comes down to. That’s the predicament of pretty much every NHL team.”
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Bill Roose of RedWings.NHL: Jimmy Howard when asked last month if he will be able to accept Petr Mrazek as the Red Wings No. 1 goalie and not playing 50 or 60 games.
“That’s something I’m going to have to think about,” he said, “and talk over with my family and people that are close to me.”
