On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports: Coyotes GM John Chayka met with Shane Doan’s agent, Terry Bross, and they will be focusing on a one-year deal.
“We’ve discussed both a multi-year deal and a one-year deal, but at this time we’re progressing toward a year-to-year approach which is respectful to both sides,” Chayka said Wednesday. “The idea is after every year, he takes the chance to discuss it with his family.
“It’s all positive and it’s just a matter of time before we get it done.”
On the Florida Panthers …
George Richards: Was told that one of the reasons that the Panthers traded defenseman Erik Gudbranson was that he turned down a four-year deal with a cap hit of $4.5 million.
Harvey Fialkov: Received another confirmation that the Panthers didn’t get as far as offering Gudbranson a four-year, $18 million contract.
Jason Gregor: The Panthers trading Gudbranson may suggest that they are high on Alex Petrovic or they are considering going after Jason Demers when free agency starts.
George Richards: Hearing that the Panthers have offered Vincent Trocheck a six-year deal. Money is an issue, but both sides are not that concerned about it.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Darren Dreger on TSN 1260 radio on the Vancouver Canucks after they traded for Erik Gudbranson.
“And it takes some of the heat off the Vancouver Canucks as well. Jim Benning is far from done in terms of shopping. Even though it looks like the Canucks are more likely to embrace a rebuild than they are anything else, I think Benning is fully going after the renovation. ‘Let’s tweak here or there. Let’s add pieces so that this team can contend for a playoff spot as early as next season.’
“It’s not going to be easy to do, but at least now he’s got certainty in Gudbranson coming to the Vancouver Canucks, as opposed to the ongoing negotiations with Dan Hamhuis, if you will. There’s whispers and rumors about maybe Kris Russell going into the free agent pool, leaving the Dallas Stars, and Vancouver having interest there.
“Now at least he has a sure piece that he paid a premium price for, but he’s got that piece.”