On the Washington Capitals …
Aivis Kalnins: It is expected that KHL goalie and Capitals prospect Ilya Samsonov will be signing with the team after April 30th.
On the New York Islanders and Nikolay Kulemin …
Andrew Gross: Pending UFA Nikolay Kulemin: “A lot of stuff to think about. I like everything here and we have a great team here and a lot of young guys coming up so we’ll see how it works out.”
On the Montreal Canadiens …
John Lu: Forward Max Pacioretty – whose contract expires after next season – said he’s open to having contract extension talks but hasn’t told his agent to start the process with GM Marc Bergevin.
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Bob McKenzie was on TSN 690 talking about the Montreal Canadiens, GM Marc Bergevin and owner Geoff Molson.
“And obviously they can’t say it, but if John Tavares goes to market they’re going to want to be front and center. But St. Louis might want to be front and center. San Jose might want to be front and center. The New York Rangers might want to be front and center.
“And whether the Montreal Canadiens… A) Does John Tavares go to market? My guess is he probably will, but I don’t know that at all. That’s just an opinion, just a feeling. And if he does, is it realistic to think that he could end up in Montreal? Maybe it is. Maybe it’s not.”
If Tavares doesn’t go to the open market or if the Canadiens aren’t able to sign, what is their next plan of action?
“Now, maybe trading Max Pacioretty is part of Plan A or Plan B, take your pick. But again, they went down that road at the deadline and weren’t able to facilitate it. So now can they get it done, and if so, what’s coming back.”
The Canadiens also have to be asking who their centermen are and if their blue line is good enough.