Golden Knights laying the groundwork to clear out some needed cap space
Jesse Granger of The Athletic: Multiple sources have said that the Vegas Golden Knights have laid the groundwork for potentially multiple trades.
The Golden Knights and restricted free agent William Karlsson are close on a long-term deal in the $6 to $7.5 million range.
“Those are the things that we’re working on,” McCrimmon said. “William (Karlsson) is a priority for us, and hopefully sooner than later we can have him under contract past this year.”
The Golden Knights are going to need to make some trades to clear out salary to get under the cap.
Trade options include Nikita Gusev (RFA), Colin Miller ($3.875 million), Cody Eakin ($3.85 million), Erik Haula ($2.75 million), and Ryan Reaves ($2.775 million).
Darren Dreger: With Karlsson needing an extension, the Golden Knights are a team to watch. Teams are inquiring about Gusev.
Panthers meeting with Bobrovsky and Panarin on Monday
George Richards: Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon will be meeting with Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin on Monday. Players are not able to sign until July 1st.
Tallon: “I think we’ll get some pieces, hopefully, all of them; we feel very good that we’re going to improve.”
Panthers will be aggressive in free agency
Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com: Panthers GM Dale Tallon will be aggressive in free agency.
“We’re going to be aggressive. We’re going to do the right thing and hope the chips fall where they may. But we’re going to make sure we’re in there and be aggressive.”
The Panthers owner Vinnie Viola wants Tallon to spend to the cap ceiling.
“We’ve got the full support of (owner) Vinnie Viola,” Tallon said. “He wants me to be aggressive in free agency and wants to spend to the , so we’re going to do what the boss wants us to do. I’m happy with that.”
The Panthers are still waiting for goaltender Roberto Luongo‘s plans, something Tallon expects by July 1st.
“It’s totally up to Roberto,” Tallon said. “We’ve talked a couple of times. The decision is solely up to him. Whatever is best for him and his family. We’re going to go along with whatever he decides he wants to do.”