On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports: The acquisition of Marcus Kruger may signal the end of Brad Richardson’s tenure with the Coyotes. GM John Chayka didn’t rule out re-signing the pending UFA, he knows the market is very competitive.
“It’s a similar type of profile,” Chayka said. “Looking at the free-agent market of which Brad is a part, I’d say that there are very few of them that check these boxes. With the salary cap rising and demand for center icemen high, it’s going to be a very competitive marketplace. We wanted to make sure if there was an opportunity to get a player like this we did.”
Kruger could form a new shutdown line with Nick Cousins and possibly Lawson Crouse.
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: The Hurricanes moved from No. 11 in the 2018 NHL draft up to No. 2 after the lottery drawing. The Sabres will be drafting Rasmus Dahlin at No. 1. Owner Tom Dundon when asked if they could consider trading the pick.
“I don’t know that we’ll ever be in a position to say you can rule something out,” Dundon said. “It’s very unlikely you’re going to ever rule anything out with us, I imagine.”
New SR VP of Hockey Operations Rick Dudley said that there are players at the top of 2018 draft that “can change a franchise.”
On the Ottawa Senators…
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators plan on taking the best player available regardless of position at the No. 4 slot at the draft next month. GM Pierre Dorion to TSN 1200.
“Whether we take a forward or a defenceman, we’re definitely going to take the best player that we feel can help us win the most in either short-, medium- or even long-term.”
The Senators have held preliminary talks with pending RFAs Mark Stone and Cody Ceci.
Dorion has been told by the NHL that he’s not allowed to talk about Erik Karlsson’s contract talks publically.
The Senators are believed to be interested in re-signing UFAs Chris Wideman and Magnus Paajarvi.