On the New York Islanders and John Tavares …
Andrew Gross: Though the deal is not done and it’s still a fluid situation, but it is sounding like the Islanders could also be getting some good news with regards to John Tavares.
Darren Dreger: There is more discussions scheduled for today between the Islanders and Tavares’ agent Pat Brisson. The hiring of Barry Trotz definitely helps.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Shawn Simpson: “Makes zero sense for Sens to give Avs the 4th pick. Good chance they draft Zadina or Tkachuk. Both are late birthdays, and will turn pro no later than 2019. Better to get the top prospect into the system now.”
Shawn Simpson: “With the 4th pick the Sens have full control of the asset, and a good idea of who they will get. Next year could be a lower pick, and lesser player. Along with a three year swing of the player turning pro. Too many uncertainties giving up the pick for 2019.”
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Amir Basu: Hurricanes GM Don Waddell on Sportsnet 590: “What we told teams is we really like the player that will be selected at #2, if you want to overpay for that player, it’s my job as GM to listen to your deals. We’ve had some interesting offers up to this point, but nothing to move the needle.”
On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Source on contract talks between the Penguins and pending restricted free agent forward Bryan Rust.
“Nothing much to report at this point. (There were) preliminary discussions but nothing is imminent.”
PHN reported last week that the Penguins offered Rust in a deal to the Arizona Coyotes for Max Domi.
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Teams have until Monday, June 25 to qualify restricted free agents.
The Penguins have had “just discussions” with pending RFA center Riley Sheahan according to a source.
After acquiring Derick Brassard at the deadline, Sheahan was moved to fourth line duty.
Sources saying that Penguins haven’t held any talks with RFA defenseman Jamie Oleksiak, but will meet with his camp will at the draft in Dallas. A qualifying offer for Oleksiak would only be for a $1 million, which would be declined.