Friedman’s 30 Thoughts …
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Quickly touches on a the idea if the Maple Leafs would consider uniting Christian Dvorak, Mitch Marner and Matthew Tkachuk in the NHL. They would need to trade for Christian Dvorak, then move down in the draft for Tkachuk. This would cost them Matthews, which cools this idea.
Friedman’s initial radio interview on the Maple Leafs idea
Blues Jaden Schwartz has arbitration rights, and GM Doug Armstrong will be focusing on a contract extension for him.
Friedman sees term being a bigger issue for David Backes over money. There were some rumors that the Blues may be okay with giving Backes four years at $6 million per year.
Vladimir Sobotka is expected to return to the Blues next season.
Andy Strickland said that former Blues associate coach Brad Shaw could be an option for the Sabres, Blue Jackets and Rangers. Friedman mentions the Senators as another NHL team or there is some talk that he could go to Europe.
Kirk Muller could interview with the Ducks and Flames.
Friedman wonders if the Blackhawks could try to convince Brian Campbell to sign with them at a reduced rate.
Pending UFA Andrew Ladd spoke with Tanner Glass about free agency.
“He said it was chaos…free agency hits, you get all these offers and everyone wants an answer right then. But it’s changed with the (week-before) window. It’s exciting to see what options will be available.”
Ladd on if a return to Winnipeg is possible.
“I’ve said since I left I would never close the door. We enjoyed our time there. We’ll see if that’s an option. It takes two willing combatants.”
Stars GM Jim Nill on if they would buyout Kari Lehtonen.
“No, we’re not buying him out. That last game is not a full reflection of the season. Nobody remembers the game before where he stood on his head. He’s disappointed, and the team is disappointed. We finished second overall, and everybody is focussed on the playoffs. Something went right too, you’ve got to be careful.”
The Stars would like to bring one of Jordie Benn, Jason Demers, Alex Goligoski or Kris Russell back.
Nill on Jamie Benn contract extension talks.
“We sat down, his future is something we’ve already talked about…started that process. It’s no secret he’s the leader here, and we’re going to figure it out.”
The Coyotes plan on being competitive this year and they won’t make moves to make them worse. The Coyotes have two first round picks (No. 7 and 20) and could be open to moving around.
“Fifty-fifty. We’re open for everything at this time. It’s such an open draft, I don’t think anyone’s ratings are similar. It will probably come down to the (draft) floor.”
The Coyotes need to improve their blueline, and there is talk they are looking to trade for one or two. There are mixed reports if Martin Hanzal‘s name is out there.
Sounding like there is legit interest in Rangers Rick Nash, who has a limited no-trade clause where he can accept a trade to 12 teams.
The Sabres could be looking to extend GM Tim Murray’s contract.
The Predators are talking with Filip Forsberg about an extension. An agent thinks a long-term deal could be between Brandon Saad‘s $6 million cap hit and Vladimir Tarasenko‘s $7.5 million cap hit.
Randy Carlyle interviewed with the Flames and Ducks on Tuesday at the NHL combine. Friedman thinks Carlyle is a more serious candidate for the Ducks.
