On the Buffalo Sabres …
Howard WGR: Elliotte Friedman said the Sabres are aggressively going after free agent goaltender Carter Hutton. Friedman added that if they go three years, they will get him.
On the Calgary Flames …
Frank Seravalli: Free agent center Derek Ryan is expected to visit with the Flames today. Ryan has a few intriguing options already. Flames head coach Bill Peters gave Ryan his first NHL shot. “There is zero chance of that.”
On the Colorado Avalanche …
Adrian Dater: Not familiar with the report that there is a chance Jonathan Bernier could re-sign with the Avalanche, but “there is zero chance of that.”
On Michael Grabner …
Craig Custance: Though the Rangers and Michael Grabner haven’t spoken yet, have heard them connected. Nothing there between them as of yesterday, but doesn’t mean it won’t happen. There are 10 teams interested in Grabner.
On Ryan Reaves …
Andy Strickland: It’s not a surprise that free agent forward Ryan Reaves is generating a lot of interest.
On the Washington Capitals …
John Buccigross: The Capitals and Todd Reirden are closing in on a deal to name him as their new head coach.
Tarik El-Bashir: Have been told that talks between the Capitals and Reirden are ongoing. He’s been watching their development camp all week.
On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Multiple sources are saying that Chris Kunitz is getting a number of good offers from teams and it could dampen a Penguins return.
The Penguins remain interested, but Kunitz could get more term and money from another team.
It had been believed that Tampa and Pittsburgh were the only two places that Kunitz wanted to play, but the interest he received this week may change things.
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Kunitz would be an option for the Penguins, especially if they could get him on a deal at $1 million.
Another option on the wing could be Michael Grabner. Grabner would bring speed, and they did try to trade for him at the deadline.