On the Calgary Flames …
Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Flames GM Brad Treliving on the Ben Bishop rumors.
“I’ve heard I’ve tried to get him three or four times, which isn’t correct,” said Treliving, who admittedly got permission to talk contract with Bishop before last year’s draft before opting for a Brian Elliott swap.
“We’re looking at goaltending, so it’s natural we’d be poking around. Did we look at it as an option? Yes. But the assumption we can make is that for the American guy who played minor league hockey in Texas coming to Calgary was probably not choice No. 1. And if he was, it was probably for a long time for a lot of dough.”
The Flames kicked tires on trading for Bishop’s rights. The Flames were on Bishop’s no-trade list.
Marc-Andre Fleury is one trade option for the Flames. With three years left on his deal, he could be a bridge while Tyler Parsons and Jon Gillies develop. The asking price would be several top prospects and/or a young roster player.
The Flames have spoken with both Brian Elliott and Chad Johnson to see where they are at. Bringing Johnson back makes sense.
Other options for the Flames include Rangers Antti Raanta, Capitals Philipp Grubauer, Canucks Ryan Miller (UFA), Coyotes Mike Smith, Ducks Jonathan Bernier (UFA), Flyers Steve Mason (UFA), Red Wings Petr Mrazek and Jimmy Howard, Hurricanes Cam Ward, Panthers James Reimer, Senators Mike Condon (UFA) and Sabres Robin Lehner.
On the Edmonton Oilers and Jordan Eberle …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Bob McKenzie was on TSN 1040 radio talking about the Edmonton Oilers, Jordan Eberle trade rumors and what his trade value might be.
McKenzie says that it’s not the best time to trade the $6 million forward who didn’t have a great season. The Oilers will eventually need some cap space due to future new contracts of Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid.
“I don’t think you desperately need it next season, but with Draisaitl’s deal up now and McDavid’s deal up in a year; as you go along here there’s no question that I’m not sure they can afford to be allocating $6 million to a guy who, quite frankly during the playoffs, was playing so far down in your lineup that you couldn’t justify that kind of expense. And yet you’ve got to be careful because he is an asset. But as an asset, his value is not where you would want it right now.
“So I’m sure they’ll explore their options, but I don’t think they’re about to give him away either. Because he’s a better hockey player than he showed in the playoffs, and I don’t think there’s a fire sale here where the Oilers have to make some sort of move between now and the expansion draft on that front.”