On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Sam Carchidi: GM Ron Hextall said that he hasn’t had any contract talks with free agents Shayne Gostisbehere and Steve Mason.
Sam Carchidi: Hextall said that they are not in a rush to replace assistant coach Joe Mullen. Wonder if Danny Briere would be a candidate.
Sam Carchidi: Hextall added that he’d like Mullen’s replacement to be an “offensive minded guy.”
On College free agent Spencer Foo …
Ken Campbell: College free agent Spencer Foo met with five teams and he could decide who he’ll sign with by the weekend. The Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are among the teams interested.
Dave Isaac: It sounded like Flyers GM Ron Hextall was interested in signing Foo.
On the New York Rangers …
Alex Nunn: Defenseman Alexei Bereglazov will reportedly be signing with the Rangers when his KHL contract expires on April 30th. He was named to Russia’s World Cup roster.
Aivis Kalnins: Source saying that Bereglazov’s NHL deal will have a KHL out (Metallurg) if he doesn’t make the NHL and is assigned to the AHL.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Craig Custance of ESPN: Blue Jackets offseason priorities.
1. Manuever around the expansion draft – GM Jarmo Kekalainen needs to find a way for the Vegas Golden Knights to not take a useful roster player in the expansion draft. The Blue Jackets could ask Scott Hartnell to waive his no-movement clause for the draft. Brandon Dubinsky and Nick Foligno also have no-movement clauses. The Blue Jackets currently would have to expose goaltender Joonas Korpisalo.
2. Move out some veteran salary – Scott Hartnell and Brandon Dubinsky carry big cap hits for the production they bring.
3. Talk contract extension with pending UFA Sam Gagner – His 18 goals and 50 points was a steal at $650,000. Should offer an extension after the expansion draft so they don’t have to protect him. Alexander Wennberg could get a long-term deal if they can move out some salary.