Scouting the New Jersey Devils and the Minnesota Wild …
Michael Russo: Scouts listed to attend last night’s Devils-Wild game: New York Rangers (2), Detroit Red Wings (2), Montreal Canadiens (2), Colorado Avalanche (2), Vancouver Canucks, Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
On the Montreal Canadiens …
HabsLinks: Pierre LeBrun on TSN 690 on Canadiens Max Pacioretty: “At this hour, I don’t think the #Habs have anything on the table that they would do”
HabsLinks: LeBrun added that he believes that teams will circle back to the Canadiens before the deadline.
On the Vegas Golden Knights …
David Pagnotta: Have been told that is nothing new to report with regards to a contract extension between the Golden Knights and James Neal.
David Pagnotta: Not known if Neal not having a contract in place changes the Golden Knights deadline plans. The sense if that they like having him, and that he likes being there.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic: Sources saying the Blue Jackets reached out to Jack Johnson‘s agent to restart contract talks about a possible multiyear deal.
Johnson wouldn’t discuss the reports, and GM Jarmo Kekalainen didn’t respond to text messages.
Sources said that during the offseason Johnson declined a seven-year, $22 million contract offer from the Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets were considering trading defenseman Ryan Murray when talks with Johnson were ongoing.
The pending UFAs ice-time decrease at the start of the year and he asked for a trade to help increase his free agent value.
Among the teams that showed interest in Johnson were the Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, and Washington Capitals. Those teams have since traded for a defenseman.
If the Blue Jackets and Johnson don’t agree on a deal, they can still attempt to trade him as opposed to losing him for nothing in free agency.