- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: An NHL executive on pending RFA James Reimer:
“If I’m the Leafs, I don’t make him a qualifying (restricted free agent) offer. The reason, you can’t get much for him in a trade. So by signing him, you’re paying too much for a backup goalie and you may get stuck with the contact. I’d rather cut my losses, let him go, and sign a veteran to backup Jonathan Bernier.”
Rumor talk that Predators GM David Poile could hire Peter Laviolette to replace Barry Trotz.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: It is doubtful that the Blues will bring Ryan Miller back. The Blues think that Jake Allen could be ready for the No. 1 job. Miller could end up with the Sharks. The Red Wings could use a right handed defenseman. Dennis Wideman could be an option, he has three years left at $5.25 million. The Wings could also look at pending UFA Matt Niskanen, but they would likely have to overpay for him.
“Times have changed in the National Hockey League,” Red Wings GM Ken Holland said during his end-of-year press conference. “July 1 free agency is a time for support players and secondary players. Teams now sign their best players to long-term contracts. They don’t hit the market. I told the team this morning that a lot of what we try to do has to be internal.”
If the Avs don’t re-sign Paul Stastny, they need to use that money to improve their blueline.
- Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: It is possible that the Alex Stalock could start ahead of Antti Niemi next year. Stalock is a pending UFA. Stalock on free agency.
“I really haven’t even thought about it yet. That’s one thing that you figure out in the summer, I guess. That’s my agent’s job. We’ll see what happens. Like I said, I love San Jose and the organization.”
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: The Flyers will need to figure out what to do with Vinny Lecavalier. On the fourth line was the only slot that fit Vinny last year. He has four years left on his deal at a $4.5 million salary cap hit, which is virtually impossibly to trade. Unless Brayden Schenn is traded, it may be coach Craig Berube’s problem to solve.
“I understand the center position is his position, and he’s a better player at center than he is on wing,” Berube said of Lecavalier. “All I can look at is that right now. He’s going to come to camp like everybody else and he’ll be evaluated then.”
Lecavalier won’t push Schenn or Sean Couturier out of their center slots, so the only solution may be to trade Schenn.
- Matthew Coller of ESPN: Four potential players who could receive an offer sheet this offseason: 1. Ryan O’Reilly (COL) – The Maple Leafs would be the best fit. Offer sheet of seven years and $49 million. 2. Brayden Schenn (PHI) – The Dallas Stars would be the best fit. Offer sheet of five years and $30 million. 3. Mats Zuccarello (NYR) – The Montreal Canadiens are the best fit. Offer sheet of six years and $36 million. 4. Reilly Smith (BOS) – The Columbus Blue Jackets are the best fit. Offer sheet of five years and $25 million.