On the Buffalo Sabres and Jack Eichel …
Pierre LeBrun: Have heard that preliminary discussions between the Buffalo Sabres and Jack Eichel about a contract extension have begun. He has one more year on his entry-level contract and is eligible to sign an extension after July 1st.
Bill Hoppe of Buffalo Hockey Beat: LeBrun reported that the Sabres and Eichel have held preliminary talks. There were reports that Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers could be talking eight years at a $13.25 million salary cap hit. Eichel’s deal would obviously be for less, may be a long-term deal around $8 million a season.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Darren Dreger: After the Draft inquiries on Dion Phaneuf slowed and even more so after the Marc Methot was traded to Dallas. The Senators plan on keeping Phaneuf now.
On Chris Neil …
Darren Dreger: Chris Neil will have some good options and offers to play next year. He wants to play and will select what he thinks is the right fit.
On the Alexander Radulov …
Aivis Kalnins: Have been told that Alexander Radulov hasn’t and won’t be considering returning to the KHL.
Aivis Kalnins: The Montreal Canadiens are one of six teams that are in the running for Radulov.
On Alexei Emelin …
Pierre LeBrun: Hearing that the Montreal Canadiens have looked at bringing back now Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alexei Emelin. Now sure if the Canadiens will proceed though.
Pierre LeBrun: Hearing that the Ottawa Senators have looked at Emelin as well.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Sun: Looking at some pending unrestricted free agents that might fit in with the Vancouver Canucks needs:
Defense: Michael Del Zotto, Jared Cowen, Matt Hunwick, Paul Postma, Dmitri Kulikov, Joe Morrow, Ron Hainsey, Karl Alzner, Trevor Daley, and Cody Franson.
Forward: Sam Gagner, Nail Yakupov, Jordan Weal, and Mikhail Grigorenko.