On the Colorado Avalanche …
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Matt Duchene hasn’t arrived at the Colorado Avalanche pre-training camp captains practices. RFA Nikita Zadorov was also not there, as well as Nathan MacKinnon who is on an NHL media tour.
Avalanche GM Joe Sakic has already stated he’s listening to offers for Duchene. A trade seems inevitable, and it should land the Avs a defenseman or two, something they need.
Zadorov has threatened to play in the KHL this season if not signed.
Dan Rosen of NHL.com: (mailbag) spoke with Duchene last month, and Duchene made it clear that he doesn’t see himself as an Avalanche player anymore. The Avalanche need to resolve this situation.
On the Calgary Flames …
Darren Dreger: There is a still a big gap in contract talks between the Calgary Flames and RFA forward Sam Bennett. Until a contract is in place with the Flames, it’s possible that Bennett could head over to Europe/KHL.
Darren Dreger: It’s more likely that Bennett and the Flames agree on a new deal.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Matthew Bove: Jack Eichel‘s agent said that contract talks with the Sabres have died down and that the plan is for Eichel to play without a new deal in place.
Matthew Bove: Eichel’s agent did say that they are open for further contract discussions during the season.
NHL.com: Buffalo Sabres Jack Eichel was on WGR Radio and said he’s okay with playing out the final year of his entry-level deal.
“I have no problem playing the year out — if that happens, it happens,” Eichel said. “I’m pretty adamant about staying a Sabre and staying in Buffalo, but it’s not something I can really control. I can just control my play. I want to bring some new excitement to this town and the contract thing will take care of itself.”