On Brian Gionta and James Wisniewski …
Stephen Whyno of the AP: Both Brian Gionta and James Wisniewski are playing for Team USA at the Olympics, and both are hoping to sign with an NHL team after.
They would need to be signed by the February 26th to be eligible for the playoffs.
“If somebody wanted me, I’m ready to go,” Wisniewski said Monday. “Hopefully I can come out here and have a great Olympics. It’s not like I’m going to be expensive. You don’t have to give up future considerations. I’ve played in the highest level for over a decade and now playing in the Olympics, so it’s not like I haven’t been playing good, competitive hockey.”
Teams are interested in both players. Wisniewski is 33-years old and Gionta is 39.
Gionta said his agent has spoken with a couple teams.
“Hopefully we’re playing for the gold medal and then what a better way than to sign another NHL contract,” Wisniewski said. “It’s really up to me. I’ve got to show that I can play and catch somebody’s eye.”
Dave Isaac: Wonder if the Flyers would be interested in Wisniewski. He is a right-handed defenseman that would be a cheap, bottom pairing defenseman that has some experience.
On the Dallas Stars …
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Defenseman Marc Methot could return later this week, and depending on how he looks in the next two weeks may determine if the Stars need to look for another defenseman.
The Stars could use a top-six winger.
The Stars have less than a $1 million in cap space. It wouldn’t be easy for the Stars to add someone like Rick Nash, and it would cost a ton to trade for him.
The Stars could look at Max Pacioretty or Mike Hoffman. Both are younger than Nash, have less of a cap hit, and have term left on their deal.
Teams may be asking the Stars for their first-round pick this year, which they may not really want to part with since the 2018 draft is being held in Dallas.
If they were going to move prospects over picks, they could offer up Julius Honka, Brett Ritchie, Jason Dickinson or Devin Shore.
They offer up a roster player or two in a deal for Nash, Pacioretty or Hoffman. Ritchie carries a $1.75 million cap hit.
Michael Grabner may be their best choice as he’s a pending UFA and carries a $1.65 million cap hit.