- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have eight defensemen under contract, so they look at trading one of them, possibly Patrick Wiercioch. The Senators are looking to add some help upfront.They’ve held talks with center David Legwand and have talked to the Flyers about Vincent Lecavalier. The chances of the Senators trading for Lecavalier aren’t good. If the Senators did trade for Vinny, they would want the Flyers to eat $2 million, and possibly taking on another contract. Lecavalier does have a no-movement clause. The Predators are thought to be the leading candidates for Lecavalier.
The Sabres are also in talks with Legwand. The Senators may have talked to the Sabres about Chris Stewart again according to sources.
Colin Greening and Erik Condra could be available for the right price.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avs will be looking to lock up Ryan O’Reilly to a long-term contract.
“We’re going to focus on getting Ryan signed,” Sakic said. “We want Ryan to be here, and be here a long time. Now that we’re done with the draft and free agency, we’ll be getting in contact with (Pat Morris, his agent).”
The Avs have already file for salary arbitration. O’Reilly can ask for a one- or two-year ruling, and will make at least $5.525 million if they go to arbitration.
- Aaron Portzline: The Blue Jackets have begun exploratory contract extension talks with Sergei Bobrovsky and Brandon Dubinsky. Both players would be UFAs at the end of next season.
- Jeremy Rutherford: The Blues were interested in Steve Ott, but have appeared to move on. They are currently at 15 forwards.