- William DePaoli: Source saying the Penguins have interviewed Julien BriseBois, Jason Botterill, Tom Fitzgerald and Pierre McGuire for the GM vacancy.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Penguins Matt Niskanen may be looking for a six year deal in the $33 million range according to a source. There could even be talk that some teams think he’s a $6 million guy. The Flyers are looking for a top four defenseman and may look at Niskanen. Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik was thought to have a serious knee injury suffered in round two against the Rangers, but is expected to be ready for training camp according to his agent. The 33-year old Orpik is a pending UFA and believes he has four or five years left in him. There is some talk around the league that he may only have three productive years left.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Looking at the trade value for Penguins James Neal. He has a cap hit of $5 million through 2017-18. His no-trade clause doesn’t kick in until July 1st, 2015. Multiple sources say that management may be having doubts on whether he can play a more disciplined game. The unnecessary penalties, immaturity and arrogance in his game has not gone away. He has trouble creating his own shot when not playing with Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby. He can score 40 goals though, and they may be able to get more complete players for him in a trade. An Eastern Conference scout:
“Is he a player you build around? I’d lean in the direction of no but I like him,” the senior advisor said. “Goal scorers are at a premium {right now}, he has a good contract and is at the right age.”
DePaoli lists three trade proposal’s for Neal.
1. James Neal and Simon Despres to Tampa Bay for Teddy Purcell, Brett Connelly and a 1st round pick, 17th overall.
2. James Neal to Edmonton for David Perron and Mitch Moroz.
3. James Neal to Winnipeg for Evander Kane.
Another option may to look to acquire a top four defenseman and not focusing on getting a potential top six forward. What about Blues Kevin Shattenkirk?
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Finding a top defenseman may be the priority for the Flyers against this offseason again. Predators GM David Poile said in April that they won’t be trading Shea Weber. Tyler Myers’ name was tossed around a few times, but passed on the idea as early as the trade deadline. GM Ron Hextall needs to acquire at least one defenseman through trade or free agency. Do they re-sign Kimmo Timonen given that he’s close to retiring and with a high cap hit? Panaccio thinks that Matt Niskanen would be an attractive option for the Flyers, giving him the $6 million they would have given Timonen.