On the Vancouver Canucks …
Rick Dhaliwal: Contract talks with Andrey Pedan started two weeks ago, just after Nikita Tryamkin left for the KHL.
Rick Dhaliwal: Daniel Milstein, Andrey Pedan’s agent: “It is time for Andrey to play for the #Canucks, no more excuses. He will be ready for camp.”
On the New York Rangers …
Justin Tasch of the NY Daily News: Rangers trade deadline acquisition and pending UFA Brendan Smith has worked out well and he if he continues he may become a higher priority for them. He’s not thinking beyond the playoffs, but did say that he can see himself staying.
Smith will get a raise from his $2.75 million and would be cheaper than Kevin Shattenkirk. A number of teams will be likely be interested in Smith as well. Smith is a left shot that can play the right side.
On the Dallas Stars …
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Looking at which players the Stars could leave unprotected for the expansion draft. One surprise name that could be left unprotected for the Stars is forward Cody Eakin.
Eakin’s may not fit in their forward group anymore with Ken Hitchcock taking over. Hitchcock has already said he wants to use Tyler Seguin, Jason Spezza and Radek Faksa down the middle. That would make Eakin a fourth line center or a winger, which decreases his value.
Eakin is also under contract for another three years at a $3.85 million cap hit.
The Stars are expected to protect seven fowards, three defense and a goalie.
Forwards that will definitely be protected are Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, Jason Spezza and Radek Faksa. Consensus is they will also protect Brett Ritchie and Valeri Nichushkin. The last protected spot could come down to Antoine Roussel or Eakin.
Rousell has a year left on his deal at $2.4 million.
The Stars could trade to trade Eakin or Roussel and protect the one they don’t move.