On Carter Hutton …
Jim Thomas: Have confirmed that Hutton’s camp will be speaking with the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and New York Islanders. The St. Louis Blues are still in the mix, but he’ll likely get more money and maybe a chance to be a No. 1 somewhere else.
On Craig Anderson …
@Sens_Army_: Ray Ferraro on TSN 1200 if he thinks there is a market for Senators goaltender Craig Anderson: “I think there is for sure… Maybe Ottawa’s got to take some money back too.”
On the New York Rangers …
Larry Brooks: The Rangers would be interested in Artemi Panarin if he hits free agency next offseason. The Rangers won’t be giving up three to five assets this offseason. The Blue Jackets are hoping they are able to convince him to stay Columbus.
On the Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres …
Eric Engels of Sportsnet: The Canadiens almost traded winger Max Pacioretty at the draft.
The Canadiens had been talking to the Sabres about Ryan O’Reilly, but the Sabres were wanting the 3rd overall pick, which was a deal breaker for the Canadiens.
The Canadiens did come close to moving Pacioretty for another first-round pick, which they would have packaged with a couple more picks to flip to the Sabres.
The Islanders held the No. 11 and No. 12 picks in the draft, with Pacioretty getting the opportunity to possibly play either with John Tavares or Mat Barzal.
The scenario was on the table until the Oliver Wahlstrom and Noah Dobson fell into the Islanders laps and Lou Lamoriello pulled the plug on it.
The Canadiens Plan B turned to the Los Angeles Kings and that deal fell through when Pacioretty rejected their contract extension offer.
If Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin and Sabres GM Jason Botterill can’t work out a new deal, the Canadiens could turn to Paul Stastny.
Bergevin will continue to look at Pacioretty trades, but he’s not going to want to trade him for “pennies on the dollar.”