On the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames …
Pierre LeBrun: “Interesting to look back at summer of 2016 when the Leafs acquired Frederik Andersen from Anaheim. The Ducks deliberated long and hard about which goalie to move. They felt both would have long careers as No. 1 guys. They kept the younger/cheaper option and it’s hard to argue.”
Pierre LeBrun: “Also worth remembering how hard Calgary tried to land Andersen. Ducks wanted a bit more from the Flames since they were Pacific Division rivals. Price was deemed too high by Calgary. Leafs got him for low 1st RD pick (Sam Steel) plus a 2nd in ’17 …”
Pierre LeBrun: “I think Anaheim wanted to flip first-round picks with the Flames as part of that deal… Cgy had high pick, took Tkachuk, so can’t blame Cgy saying No. On the other hand, how much does Andersen in Cgy change things? And what would the Leafs have done if they didn’t get Andersen?”
Wes Gilbertson: “Far as I know, Lightning also asked #Flames for sixth-overall pick in potential trade for Ben Bishop. A deal-breaker. Flames thrilled to have Tkachuk but goalie-of-future remains a question mark.”
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Brian Hedger: Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen on Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin contract extensions: “We haven’t really entered any discussions with their agents, so we’ll have to hear what they have to say first. Hopefully there’s a will for those guys to stay here when they could become unrestricted free agents.”
Brian Hedger: Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella has a year left on his deal. GM Kekalainen said that he and Tortorella they could talk about an extension this offseason: “We’re going to have to make that decision again. He’s done a good job for us and he’s a good coach.”
On the Dallas Stars …
Sean Shapiro: Stars pending restricted free agent Mattias Janmark is playing in the World Championships for Sweden. Him playing is a good indication that they have may have a contract already done for next year.
On the New Jersey Devils …
Jimmy Murphy: After talking with some NHL sources, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Devils were interested in John Tavares if he went to free agency.
On the Philadelphia Flyers …
John Boruk: Flyers GM Ron Hextall said their biggest area of need that they must address this offseason is down the middle.
On the Washington Capitals …
Elliotte Friedman thinks Barry Trotz told John Tortorella: “I’m gone, I’m gone, I’m not coming back, “I’m gone” at the end of the #ALLCAPS/#CBJ series. pic.twitter.com/JnPOo71wh7
— NHL Prospects Watcher (@Prospects_Watch) April 26, 2018