On the Dallas Stars …
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (from late last week) Stars GM Jim Nill on RFA Valeri Nichushkin.
“We’ve talked to his agent. We’ve exchanged offers and just going through the process.”
Nill on if there are any concerns of Nichushkin returning to Russia.
“No, I don’t think so. Val’s over here training and I don’t think there’s that issue. Val wants to be in the NHL and he wants to have a good year this year, so I don’t think that’s possible.”
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (chat) Heika on if the Stars have anything left to do in free agency.
“Nothing. They actually have too many players right now with guys like Cracknell seemingly in the minors and eight defensemen on the roster.
There usually is a bargain out there, so maybe they do pick someone up and trade a youngster, but I think once they get Valeri Nichushkin signed, they have roster set for camp.”
On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports: Viktor Tikhonov didn’t receive any firm offers from a NHL team and he’s returning to SKA in the KHL.
“The few teams in the NHL that had some interest wanted to wait to see how arbitrations and some restricted free agents came out for another month,” Lynn said. “Vik did not have that time.”
Teams in the Swiss League were also interested in Tikhonov, but the money is better in the KHL.
Radim Vrbata is getting interest from four teams. His agent Rich Evans wouldn’t say which teams were interested. It is believed that the Coyotes have had some talk about bringing Vrbata back. Vrbata sent six seasons with the Coyotes.
Connor Murphy and Tobias Rieder are still looking for new contracts with the Coyotes. Murphy’s agent Brian Bartlett:
“I hope we are close,” he wrote via text message. “Still have a gap to bridge, but confident we will get it done eventually. Could wrap up with one phone call but I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes a little longer to get on the same page.”
Rieder’s agent Darren Ferris, said they are not close to a new deal and there is a significant difference in what they feel he’s worth. There is interest from the KHL and Europe and an offer sheet could be a possibility.
