On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan: Coyotes GM John Chayka confirmed the report that Arizona’s AHL team (Tucson Roadrunners) signed Oliver Ekman-Larsson‘s brother Kevin to a deal for next season.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Steve Simmons: Many people that talks with think that either Rick Tocchet or Phil Housley will be name the Buffalo Sabres next coach.
On the Minnesota Wild …
Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said a few weeks ago that they are open for business.
“I’ve had so many calls on a lot of our guys the last year. We held on to everybody because we wanted to make a run. But if someone’s going to offer me a good deal right now, I’m all ears.”
The Wild will have some salary cap challenges this offseason and need to fit in new contracts for Nino Niederreiter and Mikael Granlund.
The Wild want to get better after their first round loss to the Blues and they have to move out a contract or two via trade or expansion.
Elliotte Friedman noted this past week at teams are calling the Wild about Niederreiter and has been hearing the same thing. The Wild will likely at least listen to offers on Niederreiter and Matt Dumba.
With expansion and the likelihood of losing a defenseman, trading one makes sense, and Dumba could land the Wild the best package.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of teams in the league. People are inquiring about a lot of our players, not just necessarily those two. If teams calls and ask about a player, I’m listening, but there’s a big difference between listening and shopping. We’re going to have to make a change or two here, so if somebody has an idea, I’m willing to listen and I’m willing to work with people if something makes sense.”
Fletcher has not started “serious negotiations” with Niederreiter or Granlund.
It’s doesn’t sound like the Wild have asked Jason Pominville to his no-movement yet. They will likely try to trade him this offseason. His no-trade list goes from 10 to 20 on July 1st.
