On the Vancouver Canucks …
Rick Dhaliwal: Canucks 2017 first round draft pick Elias Pettersson won’t be attending Vancouver’s main training camp in September: “My season in Sweden starts Sept 19th, the decision was made not to attend #Canucks camp.”
On the Washington Capitals …
J.J. Regan: (asked if the Capitals will trade defenseman John Carlson before the end of this season – free agent after this season) … “I think that will depend on how this season goes for both the team and player.”
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline: (asked if there has been any contract extension talks with Cam Atkinson – free agent after this season) … There have been some extension talks but the sense is they want to get new contracts for their current restricted free agents – Josh Anderson and Alex Wennberg – done first.
On top 2018 unrestricted free agents …
Brandon Schlager of the Sporting News: An early look at the top 2018 NHL free agents.
1 John Tavares – New York Islanders – Center: The Islanders have been rumored to have offered over $10 million a season, but after Connor McDavid’s contract, Tavares could approach $12 million on the open market. Toronto targeting Tavares if available may not make sense anymore.
2. Cam Atkinson – Columbus Blue Jackets – Right wing
3. John Carlson – Washington Capitals – Defense
4. Kyle Turris – Ottawa Senators – Center
5. Evander Kane – Buffalo Sabres – Left wing
6. James van Riemsdyk – Toronto Maple Leafs – Left wing
7. Ilya Kovalchuk – KHL – Left wing
8. Mikael Backlund – Calgary Flames – Center
9. James Neal – Vegas Golden Knights – Left wing
10. Rick Nash – New York Rangers – Left/right wing
11. Paul Stastny – St. Louis Blues – Center
12. Henrik Sedin – Vancouver Canucks – Center
13. Daniel Sedin – Vancouver Canucks – Left winger
14. Mikko Koivu – Minnesota Wild – Center
15. Bryan Little – Winnipeg Jets – Center
16. Patric Hornqvist – Pittsburgh Penguins – Left/right wing
17. Joe Thornton – San Jose Sharks – Center
18. Jonathan Marchessault – Vegas Golden Knights – Left wing
19. Mike Green – Detroit Red Wings – Defense
20. Josh Bailey – New York Islanders – Center
21. Antti Raanta – Arizona Coyotes – Goaltender
22. Ian Cole – Pittsburgh Penguins – Defense
23. Tyler Bozak – Toronto Maple Leafs – Center
24. Jack Johnson – Columbus Blue Jackets
25. Craig Anderson – Ottawa Senators – Goaltender
26. David Perron – Vegas Golden Knights – Left wing
27. Toby Enstrom – Winnipeg Jets – Defense
28. Zdeno Chara – Boston Bruins – Defense
29. Patrick Maroon – Edmonton Oilers – Left wing
30. Maichael Grabner – New York Rangers – Right wing