On the Winnipeg Jets …
Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Connor Hellebuyck will be one of the Jets goaltenders next season. Ondrej Pavelec could be traded before the deadline, and if not, the pending UFA likely won’t be back next season. Michael Hutchinson has a year left on his deal, but he could have some competition to remain in the NHL. Eric Comrie may need some more AHL seasoning.
Could the Jets look at bringing in a free agent goaltending or trading for one? Could they look at Ben Bishop?
Because of the expansion draft process, it’s unlikely the Jets will acquire a goaltender by the trade deadline.
Six pending unrestricted free agents that the Jets could consider this offseason include: Ben Bishop, Mike Condon, Michal Neuvirth, Scott Darling, Peter Budaj and Brian Elliott.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan of the Arizona Coyotes: 10 teams were watching the Coyotes and Penguins in Arizona on Saturday.
There have been no meaningful contract extension talks between the Coyotes and pending free agent Martin Hanzal.
Teams will be calling the Coyotes about Hanzal. There are durability concerns for the soon to be 30-year old.
On Matt Duchene …
Matt Larkin of The Hockey News: Six teams that could be the best fits for forward Matt Duchene.
6. Ottawa Senators – Have the pieces to land Duchene, but don’t see them wanting to meet the Avs asking price.
5. Chicago Blackhawks – Lack elite prospects and cap space. Have forwards Alex DeBrincat, and defenseman Chad Krys and Nick Schmaltz.
4. Anaheim Ducks – have a surplus of defenseman and they have potential expansion draft issues.
3. Montreal Canadiens – Negotiations would start and end with Mikhail Sergachev and/or Nathan Beaulieu. Would the Avs also want Michael McCarron?
2. Carolina Hurricanes – Justin Faulk and Noah Hanifin should be untouchables. Brett Pesce and Jaccob Slavin should be in play. Canes also have Jake Bean and Haydn Fleury.
1. Nashville Predators – Mattias Ekholm‘s name has been mention in trade rumors. Would more likely offer a first rounder and a defensive prospect like Dante Fabbro, possibly Kevin Fiala or Vladislav Kamenev.