On the Claude Julien, Alexander Radulov, Curtis Lazar and Antoine Vermette …
Sportsnet: Hockey Night in Canada’s Headlines.
Elliotte Friedman: One of the reasons the Canadiens acted quickly on Claude Julien was because another team was in negotiations with him. Friedman doesn’t think it was Vegas.
Nick Kypreos said that if the Montreal Canadiens want to keep Alexander Radulov is making $5.75 million this season and is looking to “hit a home run” on his next year.
“Long term. That’s what Radulov wants,” said Kypreos. “This is his window of opportunity to get a long-term deal.”
Sources saying Radulov could be looking for a six-year deal. Kypreos adds that his age could be an issue as he’s 31-years old. The Canadiens could be okay with a five- or six-year deal at $4.5 or $5 million per year.
“They might have to go as much as $21 million over three years if they want to keep the term down.”
Glen Healy: Teams know that the five day breaks isn’t working. They may look at breaking it up a bit, adding a coupe days to the all-star break.
Elliotte Friedman: Ottawa Senators forward Curtis Lazar‘s agent, J.P. Barry met with Senators GM Pierre Dorion on Friday. All they would say is that all Lazar wants to do is play, be it with the Senators or somewhere else. The Senators may not be too inclined to trade him right now.
Nick Kypreos: Antoine Vermette has appealed his 10 game suspension. Gary Bettman may not want to reduce the suspension in fear of throwing the officials association under the bus. Bettman may meet with them this week to see if they can come up with a resolution to lower the amount.
Healy doesn’t think it should be lowered, the rule is clear – Automatic Suspension – Category II Rule 40.3
“Any player who deliberately applies physical force to an official in any manner (excluding actions as set out in category i), which physical force is applied without intent to injure, or who spits on an official, shall be automatically suspended for not less than 10 games.”
Kypreos thinks it will end up going to an independent arbitrator.
