Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Sabres GM Tim Murray would likely trade Tyler Ennis for Ducks Cam Fowler. The Ducks may be looking to move Fowler because of the expansion draft and that he could be wiling to go to free agency in two years. The Ducks have Sami Vatanen signed long-term, Hampus Lindholm should get an extension and they have Brandon Montour and Shea Theodore.
Friedman wonders that if Marc-Andre Fleury wants to move on from Pittsburgh, would the Carolina Hurricanes be interested? In the package, the Hurricanes could send one of Eddie Lack or Cam Ward.
It’s believed that Keith Yandle‘s initial asking price was seven years and $7 million per season.
Talk is the Panthers are preparing an eight year deal around $60 million contract for Aaron Ekblad.
Dmitry Kulikov has been linked to the Bruins and Sabres. The Maple Leafs old regime almost traded for him.
Two rumors from Vegas were that the Canucks almost traded for Dan Girardi before they made the deal for Erik Gudbranson. The other rumor was that the Coyotes would trade for Scott Hartnell if the Blue Jackets would include the 3rd overall pick.
Islanders GM Garth Snow confirmed that he’s not interested in trading Ryan Strome.
One of the problems during the Kings – Milan Lucic contract talks was the Kings philosophy to not offer much trade protection.
The Evgeni Malkin – Blackhawks rumors may have started when Nick Kypreos wondered during the Penguins playoff run if it might be his last with the Penguins. Teams checked in, including the Blackhawks. They asked a few questions and that was it.
On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Penguins GM Rutherford hasn’t been aggressively shopping Marc-Andre Fleury and reiterated again that they can start next season with both Fleury and Matt Murray. Rutherford said he hasn’t ask Fleury to waive his no-movement clause. Rutherford added he isn’t close to re-signing any of their free agents.