Devils had wanted to keep Maroon … Close to naming assistants …
Stan Fischler of MSG Networks: Devils GM Ray Shero says it can be a challenge to remain patient when it comes to free agency.
They have hoped to be able to re-sign Patrick Maroon, who left for the St. Louis Blues.
“We wanted Maroon,” Ray allowed, “and offered him more money than St. Louis, but he wanted to return to his hometown and I respect him for that.”
The Devils are getting closer to naming their assistant coaches.
“We still have to name assistant coaches,” he added, “and that should happen in the next week or so.”
Devils main offseason priority should be …
Mike Morreale of NHL.com: The Devils allowed 2.93 goals per game and 31.7 shots per game, so they should be looking to upgrade their top-four defense.
What if the Jets and Trouba don’t reach an agreement before arbitration?
Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: If the Winnipeg Jets and defenseman Jacob Trouba don’t reach an agreement before and settle on the one-year arbitration award, the Jets may have to spend the next year trying to convince Trouba to sign long-term.
If they aren’t able to reach a long-term deal, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff would have to explore a trade, which would most likely happen at the 2019 NHL draft.
Islanders main offseason priority should be …
Brian Compton of NHL.com: The New York Islanders should spend the remaining offseason trying to trade for another top-four defenseman. The Isles allowed the most goals last season at 293.
What the Canadiens still need before the start the season …
Sean Farrell of NHL.com: The Canadiens have been looking for a No. 1 center since Marc Bergevin took over as GM in May of 2012. Jonathan Drouin has been playing center and may be better suited for the wing. 2018 first-round pick Jesperi Kotkaniemi could fill that roll, but not this year.