Written by @Dale_Lamontagne
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John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres are about $20 million away from the salary cap floor on the day before NHL free agency, and GM Tim Murray remains unconcerned about his ability to reach it. Murray will start dumping contracts if they get their free-agent targets. That will be benefit the Sabres in their attempt to boost payroll. Murray says he’s been getting a lot of calls from representatives of unrestricted free agents
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Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Edmonton Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish feels he has “a compelling story to tell” when he’s tried to sell agents on their clients coming here on July 1… you can cross off players such as Paul Stastny and Matt Niskanen because will be looking for a lot on term for a new contract that will go with $6-7-million in salary per season.
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Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: Elliotte Friedman reports that defender Jeff Petry’s name is making the NHL rounds.
Assuming that the Oilers aren’t crazy, why would they be willing to deal Petry? Let’s consider three possibilities:
1. He eants too much money.
2. The team is confident it can replace Petry in free agency.
3. As part of a package for a superior defender.
As much as the possibility of a step forward exists here, there is a very real chance the Oilers take a step back in a Petry deal that they simply cannot afford to make.
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Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars remain very much interested in Jason Spezza. It’s believed the Senators were targeting a good, young player in return along with a first-round pick during Friday’s NHL draft in Philadelphia. The Blues want to see what happens with free agent centre Paul Stastny Tuesday before going any further with the Senators. The Stars were a little confused as to whether they were an acceptable location for Spezza.
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Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Thomas Vanek enjoyed his meeting with Wild coach Mike Yeo late Sunday, and the feeling was said to be mutual. The Wild made Vanek’s short list, but agent Steve Bartlett said there were other good options on it too. The Wild had more conversations Monday with Jarome Iginla’s reps in hopes of selling Iginla on its program and how it’s a Stanley Cup contender. One player who would love Vanek to sign with the Wild is his former Sabres linemate Jason Pominville.
The Wild has shown interest in Paul Stastny, but he appears to be destined for St. Louis Blues or elsewhere. Milan Michalek, Ales Hemsky, Radim Vrbata, Brian Gionta, Mike Cammalleri, Jussi Jokinen and David Booth are other players that are available.
The Wild did not inquire about former Sabres defenseman Christian Ehrhoff on Monday, but it might have interest in consistent Rangers defenseman Anton Stralman.