On the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers …
Jimmy Murphy: The Oilers have shown interest in Bruins forward Frank Vatrano. The Bruins asking price for Vatrano may be higher than some might think as he’s still young and has potential. A change of scenery might be good for him.
On the San Jose Sharks …
Kevin Kurz of The Athletic: (mailbag) Don’t think that pending unrestricted free agents Joel Ward or Jannik Hansen will be re-signed by the Sharks before the end of the season.
Though he’s looked better recently, Hansen hasn’t shown that he deserves a contract extension just yet.
The 37-year old Ward has only two non-empty net goals in 24 games this season.
Goaltender Aaron Dell could be one of the few tradable assets for the Sharks if they are looking for some scoring help. The fact that Dell will be turning 29 years old in May, may lower is value. If the Sharks don’t trade Dell, could see them re-signing him for a couple more years.
On the Ottawa Senators …
AJ Jakubec: Heard yesterday for the first time that Senators head coach Guy Boucher could be on thin ice. There is a meeting planned for later this week.
Dean Brown: (responding to Jakubec’s tweet) “The owner was always coming to town for the Outdoor game and the owner always meets with the GM and coach when he is in town. But you are right that I’m sure the discussions won’t be pleasant.”
TSN Insider Trading: Darren Dreger: It is very unlikely that the Senators trade defenseman Erik Karlsson. If GM Pierre Dorion gets an offer for Karlson that he can’t refuse before the trade deadline or this offseason, he would still need to bring it to owner Eugene Melnyk.
Head coach Guy Boucher is safe for now.
The Senators could look at trading someone like Mike Hoffman, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Zack Smith, or Cody Ceci.