On the Calgary Flames …
Pat Steinberg: The Flames plan could be to use Sam Bennett as their second line center this season.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
John Vogl: Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma: “At the 13th forward position and at the seventh defenseman, there’s a flat-out open spot for competition.”
On the New York Rangers …
Brett Cygalis of the NY Post: Rick Nash doesn’t think his job is safe with the Rangers.
“We have a lot of young talent here in camp, guys are fighting for a job, and I don’t consider my job safe at all,” said the 32-year-old with two years left on his contract at $7.8 million per year.
Nash’s job is obviously safe, well at least for now. GM Jeff Gorton didn’t receive a trade offer this offseason that was worth pursuing further, and one likely won’t be coming anytime soon. Gorton is bringing in players to challenge for top-nine ice-time.
On the Anaheim Ducks …
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Trade rumors are expected to follow defenseman Cam Fowler. There were lots of rumors this offseason as the Ducks blueline could make him expendable. Many thought he’d be moved to bring in scoring help up front or creating cap space to re-sign Hampus Lindholm. GM Bob Murray wasn’t going to just give Fowler away, but you have to wonder how long he’ll be in a Ducks uniform for.
On the Edmonton Oilers …
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Many thought the Oilers would have traded Nail Yakupov for another young forward or a for a 2nd or 3rd round pick this offseason.
He still could get moved if he gets off to a good start to increase his trade value, or if it looks like Jesse Puljajarvi is a keeper right away.
Jordan Eberle should be on Connor McDavid‘s wing, so Yakupov should be with either Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Leon Draisaitl, unless they start Draisaitl on the wing.
Yakupov on if he was waiting for a trade call from GM Peter Chiarelli this offseason.
“You hear some thoughts and rumours … am I going to get traded?” he said. “I tried to take my break, enjoy my time back home with my family, and as soon as I started training, I worked hard. I didn’t think of those conversations or thoughts (trade). It’s a big business, best league in the world, and anything can happen … you guys probably know with what happened this summer (Hall trade). I was ready for anything.”