On the Carolina Hurricanes …
David Pagnotta: It’s still a “big if” if John Tavares could test the free agent market on July 1st, but if he does, believe that the Hurricanes would take a run at him.
On the New York Islanders …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Darren Dreger on TSN 1260. Goaltending issues continue for the Islanders, but they’ve had some key injuries to their blueline. The Edmonton Oilers have had similar problems.
“So where do they begin to fix it? I mean, this seems like an age-old story with the New York Islanders. But you’re right, it seemed like they were on the cusp of turning that corner a year ago and yet here they are again. And the uncertainty around John Tavares has to feel like it’s almost crippling for that organization.”
On the Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals and Vancouver Canucks …
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Some interesting quotes from Edmonton Oilers CEO Bob Nicholson over the weekend:
“We have a plan and we are going to get it right,” “There will be some change, but we are not going to make those until the end of the year,” “I think we want to make sure that we get the right culture in the dressing room.”
Nicholson also noted that the Oilers have made too many coaching and general manager changes.
Could the Oilers be showcasing defenseman Oscar Klefbom instead of shutting him down with his shoulder injury?
Capitals GM Brian MacLellan received a contract extension, head coach Barry Trotz hasn’t. Todd Reirden could be the heir apparent in Washington as they’ve denied teams permission to speak with him dating back to last offseason.
The Vancouver Canucks are expected to try and sign Brock Boeser to a contract extension after July 1st. Boeser can’t receive an offer sheet and is not arbitration eligible. Boeser could get more than Johnny Gaudreau‘s six-year, $6.75 million per season deal.