- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Bryan Murray will have to wait to get the best offer for Jason Spezza. Spezza isn’t the only center available, so the market is a little crowded at the moment.
“I’ve talked to other teams that have centres, they don’t know what they’re doing any more than I do as far as what value they can get for these people,” said Murray Thursday. “It does give a team that’s trying to acquire one a little leverage, there’s no doubt about that.”
The Canucks are trying to trade Ryan Kesler. Joe Thornton could be available. Paul Stastny could be UFA on July 1st. Brad Richards was bought out, but not really included in the group above.
Kesler wants to go the Blackhawks or Penguins. Stastny is still talking with the Avalanche about a contract. Any deal for Spezza may have to wait as teams could have other options that they are considering as well.
“A lot of teams might be waiting to see what happens with those guys,” said a league executive Friday. “They might be waiting to get their mind around the market a little bit.
“Teams might want to see what kind of movement there is high in the draft and who is going to have their first round pick.”
- Bruce Garrioch: The Senators are expected to sign Eric Gryba next week.
- Chip Alexander: Hurricanes GM Ron Francis said they’d be open to moving up or down in the first round, depending on what is offered.
- Chip Alexander: Hurricanes GM Ron Francis said they’ve made decisions on qualifying offers for their RFAs, but would like to speak with new head coach Bill Peters first.