On Slava Voynov …
Sport-Express.ru: (through google translate) Defenseman Vyacheslav Voinov (Slava Voynov) won’t be re-signing with SKA, with a source saying he is working towards returning to the NHL.
Five teams are reportedly interested in Voynov: Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, New York Rangers and the Winnipeg Jets.
Dennis Bernstein: Los Angeles Kings GM Rob Blake said on Friday that teams have called him looking for updates in Voynov’s status and added that they didn’t get to the point of talking about trading for his rights.
Dennis Bernstein: “Organization non-committal at this stage. Blake said point in time where LA would have to make a decision on Voynov is not close. Robitallie deferred as well “it’s out of our hands” Did LA scout him in KHL this season? Yes. I’m sure others did as well.”
Eric Macramalla: The Kings still retain Voynov’s rights as they didn’t cut him when he voluntarily agreed to deportation. Deporting this way gives him “the chance to come back sooner rather than later.”
Arthur Staple: Can’t confirm the report that the New York Islanders are interested in Voynov. It would be an unpopular choice. The Islanders appear to be doing a lot of tire kicking on players overseas. There may have been initial contact but it may not have gone further. There are many obstacles that stand in Voynov attempt to play in the NHL again.
Larry Brooks: There has been no evidence that the New York Rangers have shown any interest in acquiring Voynov.
On the Edmonton Oilers …
Aivis Kalnins: The Oilers are expected to sign KHL goaltender Mikko Koskinen to a two-year contract with a salary cap hit of $2.5 million. He’s not able to officially sign any NHL contract until July 1st.
Jim Matheson: Elliotte Friedman reported that the Oilers are looking at former Islanders goaltender Koskinen. The now 29-year old played four NHL games seven years ago.
Aivis Kalnins: Believe that Koskinen could challenge Cam Talbot and it could end up being a 1A-1B situation.
Jim Matheson: If the Oilers do sign Koskinen, they could look to trade Al Montoya who has another year left on his deal or they could bury him in the minors with little effect on the cap.