NHL Rumors: Zucker, Turris, Faulk, Trouba, Duchene, Kronwall and Vanek
Justin Faulk and Jason Zucker
© James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Sabres need some scoring, Hurricanes talked to Faulk, nothing imminent with Trouba, Coyotes could be looking at Duchene

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: The Buffalo Sabres have kicked tires on Minnesota Wild winger Jason Zucker. wonders if the Nashville Predators would offer up forward Kyle Turris at a reduced rate to the Sabres and if they’d be interested?

The Carolina Hurricanes have reached out to Justin Faulk to see if there was any interest in talking contract extension this offseason. believes Faulk would have some interest.

The Hurricanes might also be okay with keeping all three of their right-handed defensemen. If a team stepped up with an offer, they would obviously listen.

Teams continue to call the Winnipeg Jets about Jacob Trouba. Nothing appears imminent but things likely to heat up leading up to the draft. Trouba’s agent hasn’t been given the go-ahead by the Jets to talk teams about an extension, something that may help increase the Jets return.

The Arizona Coyotes could be in on UFA Matt Duchene. The Columbus Blue Jackets remain in talks with Duchene’s camp.

Yzerman talks Red Wings

Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said that if defenseman Niklas Kronwall wants to come back and play another season, he’d welcome it.

At this point, they are not anticipating any buyouts.

Yzerman has spoken with pending UFA Luke Witkowski and no decision has been made yet.

There have been no talks with fellow UFA Thomas Vanek.

Max Bultman: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said there is a group of six or seven guys they are looking at for the No. 6 pick.

He has not had any trade talks involving the No. 6 pick as of yesterday afternoon.

Max Bultman: Yzerman on the possibility of an offer sheet: “To be honest with you, the position that we’re in today, I won’t say I definitely wouldn’t consider it, but it’s unlikely.”