On the Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers …
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Jamie Benn will get between $9 and $10 million on his next contract. Patrick Sharp and Ales Hemsky’s contracts expire after next season, so the Stars will be okay when Benn’s deal kicks in.
Capitals pending UFA Jason Chimera wants to return, but it would have to be a discount from the $2 million he made this past season. He could get $2.5 million as a free agent on a one or two year deal.
Matheson thinks the Capitals should look to sign Darren Helm and Frans Nielsen. Jason Demers could be an option on the blueline.
Don’t understand why the Avalanche wouldn’t pay up for Tyson Barrie. Give him $6 million over six years.
Panthers will likely let Brian Campbell go and he’ll be nice pickup for someone at $3 million a year for two years.
Can’t see how Andrew Ference will be medically cleared before the buyout period ends.
The Oilers will need to bring a backup goalie for next season. Options could be Chad Johnson, Al Montoya, Carter Hutton and Michael Hutchinson.
Nobody will trade for Fedor Tyutin if they have to protect him in an expansion draft.
The Canadiens badly want to draft in the top five so they have a shot at Pierre-Luc Dubois. He won’t be there at No. 9.
The Stars will try to keep UFA Alex Goligoski. They do have Esa Lindell ready for next year, and Julius Honka is close.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Ken Warren of the Ottawa Sun: Senators fans can forget about adding a big free agent like Steven Stamkos, David Backes or Milan Lucic. The Senators will likely be looking for a versatile winger or two that can play up and down the lineup.
Patrick Wiercioch won’t be back, so they’ll be looking for a top-four defenseman like Jason Demers and Luke Schenn.
Top 10 options for the Senators: Jiri Hudler, Mikkel Boedker, Matt Martin, David Perron, Jamie McGinn, Darren Helm, Ted Purcell, Patrick Eaves, Jordie Benn and Andre Benoit.