On the Montreal Canadiens …
Pierre LeBrun: Keep hearing the Canadiens are debating on moving down from No. 3. Would the Coyotes at No. 5 be a fit? Are they looking to go down further?
Craig Morgan: Don’t believe the Coyotes are in on a deal with the Canadiens. The cost to move up the two spots likely isn’t worth it.
On the Edmonton Oilers …
Ryan Rishaug: Getting the sense the Oilers will end up keeping their No. 10 pick as opposed to trading it. Guessing the prices for the defensemen they are interested are too high.
Ryan Rishaug: Have been told that there is zero chance that goaltender Cam Talbot gets traded.
Jason Gregor: Hearing the same thing as Rishaug that the Oilers are not trading Talbot.
Jason Gregor: “Talbot trade rumours don’t make a lot of sense. #Oilers current backup has four NHL games experience, and that was in 2010/2011. Talbot had a dip last year, but he’s been consistent otherwise, stats wise, and is 24th highest paid goalie. Who is trading a better option?”
On Ryan O’Reilly …
Chris Nichols of FRS Hockey: Elliotte Friedman was Sportsnet 960 and was asked about likely destinations for Buffalo Sabres forward Ryan O’Reilly. The San Jose Sharks could be one potential spot.
“It makes a lot of sense, right,” noted Friedman. “Like what if they don’t get a Tavares.
“Montreal has been the team that has been mostly linked to him. He doesn’t have no-trade protection, but I don’t know that that’s a preferred destination for him. I just don’t know.
“Teams like Arizona need a center. The toughest thing with O’Reilly is he’s due a $7.5 million bonus on July 1. First of all, why would you acquire him now. Or if you’re acquiring him now, are you saying to Buffalo, ‘Look, if you want us to pay that money, you’re not getting much in return.’ So I think that adds a complexity.”
Someone told that the Sabres told their guys that they should be prepared for a second first-round pick if they move O’Reilly. His signing bonus on July 1st complicates things.