Scott Powers of ESPN: It seems unlikely that Kevin Hayes will sign with the Blackhawks. One of the reasons he hasn’t signed is that he may not see a quick path the NHL with the Blackhawks. It could take a year or two become a regular in their lineup. The Blackhawks have drafted a bunch of college players in the past, and they may start looking to sign them during their sophomore and junior seasons so that they don’t run into potential losing them to free agency after their senior year. The Blackhawks have until August 15th to sign Hayes to an entry-level deal or he will become a UFA.
“I’m sure the Blackhawks are going to be disappointed if walks for free,” said an NHL agent who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “It may motivate them to accelerate the process. In Kevin Hayes’ case, he was coming off a so-so junior year. I don’t think they made a mistake with him.”
Chris Johnston: Will be interesting to see how yesterday’s front office events impact their Jake Gardiner contract talks. They had been close on a short-term deal.
Will DePaoli: The Penguins had held talks with the David Booth before he decide to sign with the Maple Leafs. They didn’t present him with an offer.
Ken Wiebe: Source saying the Jets were among the teams talking with Booth before he signed with the Leafs.