On the Washington Capitals and Barry Trotz …
TSN Insider Trading: Bob McKenzie: There have been no contract talks between head coach and Barry Trotz and the Capitals.
“But at this point, it does feel like his future is uncertain. That (and) perhaps the playoff performance of this team will have a bearing on whether or not Trotz gets an offer from Washington. If he does go to market, he’ll be a big name. Presently, Dave Tippett’s on the market, Darryl Sutter, Paul MacLean, Michel Therrien, and who knows who else with all the speculation out of Chicago in regards to Joel Quenneville, who’d be the biggest name of all if he leaves the Blackhawks.”
Darren Dreger: The Oilers believe to still support Todd McLellan, but if Joel Quenneville for Barry Trotz become available, could that change things?
On the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators …
Mark Spector: Senators Pierre Dorion watched Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and the Oilers for the second consecutive night. Nugent-Hopkins is auditioning on the left side for the Oilers and Connor McDavid’s wingman, but maybe also for the Senators?
Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli may want to go with McDavid and Leon Draisaitl down the middle on their top two line. Nugent-Hopkins at $6 million a season as a third line center may be too much for the Oilers.
The Senators have winger Mike Hoffman at $5.2 million for the next two seasons. He’s been a 25 goal scorer who could do much better playing with McDavid.
To take on Hoffman’s salary, the Oilers would need to move salary out, and it’s not going to be Milan Lucic and his $6 million.
Nugent-Hopkins for Hoffman? The Oilers may not do without getting more back in a deal.
Does McDavid need a shooter on one side and speed guy on the other side?
“I don’t really think so,” Nugent-Hopkins said after a 4-3 overtime loss to San Jose. “Connor can put the puck in the net — he has over 30. When I get a chance I should be able to score, and Pontus (Aberg, on right wing) can fire the biscuit too. We have a good mix. Me and Connor, maybe we’re not just shooters, but we read each other well.”