- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: If Joe Thornton agrees to be traded after signing a below market deal (three years, $20.25 million), he’ll only to a ‘five-star lock on paper.” Friedman thinks the only way he’d agree to a trade would be if the Sharks traded to a team like the Blackhawks or Kings.Ryan Kesler has told the Canucks again that he wants to be traded. The Ducks hadn’t been willing to give up some of their roster players in-season to make a deal for Kesler. Would they now? Friedman thinks the Canucks would prefer to trade him, but if they don’t get what they want, they’ll keep him.
The Panthers will have interest in Dan Bylsma, Gerard Gallant and three coaches who are still working: Willie Desjardins, Ulf Samuelsson and John Stevens. The Canucks are interested in Desjardins and Stevens. The Kings may try to hold on to Stevens by telling him that he’ll be Darryl Sutter’s successor. The Ducks may look to bring in AHLs Trent Yawney to work beside Bruce Boudreau.
Teams are convinced that the Panthers are serious about trading the first overall pick. Friedman wonders if they would look to trade down twice. Ie., moving down into the three to five range, then if they think the player they want could still be available, move down again to the seven to 10 range. They could be looking at skilled wingers Nikolaj Ehlers or William Nylander.
Friedman wonders if the Islanders will try to move up in the draft to unite brothers Sam and Griffin Reinhart.
The Canadiens could start talks with Mike Weaver and Brian Gionta next week.
The NHL cleared the Canadiens of any wrong doing over their handling of Dale Weise and his concussion.
The Senators can’t start contract extension talks with Bobby Ryan until July 1st.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Kris Versteeg will make $2.2 million the next two years, and the Blackhawks may to looking for someone to take him. They may need to find a center to replace Michal Handzus, who is a pending UFA.Benoit Pouliot may be in line for a multi-year contract after taking five consecutive one-year deals. He’s been a nice fit with Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello. Brassard could move up the Rangers second line if they decide to buyout Brad Richards.
The Red Wings could be interested Dan Boyle if he hit the open market.