On the Detroit Red Wings …
John Shannon: Have been told that Pavel Datsyuk‘s contract will be terminated for “anticipatory breach” and he’ll be able to sign in the KHL. Since it’s a 35+ contract, his cap hit will still apply.
Bob McKenzie: The Red Wings will trade Datsyuk’s contract and the acquiring team will terminate the contract and assume the cap hit. The Red Wings won’t terminate the contract.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
The Fourth Period: Sources saying that defenseman Keith Yandle would consider returning to Arizona. It’s not known if the Coyotes will want to spend the money for both Yandle and Alex Goligoski.
On Mikkel Boedker, Jonathan Drouin, Loui Eriksson and Milan Lucic …
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Colorado Avalanche would like to keep Mikkel Boedker, but he’s likely to hit the open market.
“We’ve come this far on shorter deals, now we’re at the point where he can pick a team,” said his agent, Jarrett Bousquet of Titan Sports Management, Inc., on Thursday afternoon. “We’re going to definitely weigh all the options and make the best decision for Mikkel. He liked everyone from the coaches and the players to the fans in Colorado. It’s definitely a place that’s up there on his list.”
Jonathan Drouin has officially withdrawn his trade request according to his agent Allan Walsh.
“As Jo said at the end of the season, he wants to be back in Tampa next year,” Walsh said via email Thursday. “It’s a tight-knit group, and going forward, he’s happy being part of it.”
Loui Eriksson‘s agent said that he’s been in regular communication with Bruins GM Don Sweeney and were expecting to receive a new offer from the Bruins, but haven’t received one yet. J.P. Barry expects they will speak again before the draft starts.
The Kings are putting together their “best offer” for Milan Lucic in the next week or so. Lucic wants to stay and if it’s good enough, he’ll sign it.