- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: If the Maple Leafs fire Randy Carlyle, some coaches that they may be interested in: Mike Keenan, John Hynes (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins head coach), Peter Laviolette and Kevin Dineen. The Leafs have $49 million committed to 12 players next season, leaving about $22 million for 11 more players. Low cost players like Petter Granberg, Andrew MacWilliam, Jerry D’Amigo and Spencer Abbott could be used. That would leave about $18 million for eight players. UFAs: Dave Bolland, Nikolai Kulemin, Jay McClement, Mason Raymond, Troy Bodie and Paul Ranger. RFAs: James Reimer, Cody Franson, Jake Gardiner, Peter Holland, Carter Ashton, D’Amigo and Abbott. The Leafs could use their RFAs as trade bait. Reimer is likely gone, especially if Randy Carlyle stays. Gardiner may want $3 million a year, and could be used as trade bait for a top center.
- Kevin Allen of USA Today: Capitals owner Ted Leonsis may not bring GM George McPhee and coach Adam Oates back. Leonsis must also look at Alex Ovechkin, is he part of the solution or part of the problem? Do they look to see if a new coach could change him or look to move him out?
It’s hard to see John Tortorella returning to the Canucks.
Randy Carlyle will likely be fired by Maple Leafs. The Leafs appear to be ready to make some major moves this offseason, with Nazem Kadri possibly the center piece of a deal.
The Predators may look at firing coach Barry Trotz. He won’t be out of work long if they let him go.
- Chris Johnston: “I would not be surprised to see Teemu Selanne return to the NHL next year. In Sochi, he made it clear that he still has more to give.”
- Sens Chirp: TSNs Brent Wallace on whether Jason Spezza will be back with the Senators next year, “probably not.”
- Ken Wiebe: Jets coach Paul Maurice said that Dustin Byfuglien will start next year at forward.
- Lisa Hillary: When asked if last night’s game against the Ducks would be his last regular season game, Avs J.S. Giguere said: “Well I have flown in my family for the game.” Eric Stephens: When talking with Giguere a few weeks ago, Giguere said it’s most certainly it for him. Didn’t want it to get out there.
- David Pagnotta: Sabres coach Ted Nolan: “I’m a strong believer in laying a foundation… Timmy and I will have a good chance to reevaluate what we’ve got (this off-season).”