On John Tavares …
Pierre LeBrun: John Tavares’ agent Pat Brisson confirms that they will meet with five teams during the free agent window.
Pierre LeBrun: “and I know this is obvious thing to say, but just like Steven Stamkos did two years ago, Tavares could still decide to re-sign with the Islanders after hearing out other teams. We’ll see.”
Arthur Staple: As previously mentioned, the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars “will almost certainly” be meeting with Tavares and his camp on Monday/Tuesday. The Tampa Bay Lightning could be one of the teams, maybe the Vegas Golden Knights. The Los Angeles Kings are likely out after signing Ilya Kovalchuk.
David Pagnotta: Have been told that the Islanders made their first formal contract offer to Tavres – eight-year at $88 million.
Brett Cyrgalis: Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello on Tavares’ upcoming free agent meetings: “I have no disappointment, I have no discouragement. I think he’s earned every right to make whatever choice he has. The most important thing is that we hope the decision is to be an Islander.”
Arthur Staple: Even though he’s going to be meeting with some teams, basically everyone around the NHL feels that he’s going to sign an extension with the Islanders.
Kevin Kurz: Have gotten the same sense as . People talked to this past week believe he’ll stay.
David Pagnotta: Have been told that Vegas will be one of the five teams that will meet with Tavares.
David Pagnotta: Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas wouldn’t comment on the Tavares situation.
Scott Powers: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman woudn’t comment if they were one of the teams allowed to speak with Tavares.
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Chris Nichols: Hurricanes GM Don Waddel this afternoon: “We’ve got a lot of (trade) conversations going on. Don’t feel compelled to do anything today or tomorrow.”
Pierre LeBrun: The Hurricanes and the Kings had been talking about Jeff Skinner all week, but the signing of Ilya Kovalchuk takes the Kings out.
Luke DeCock: With the Kings to sign Kovalchuk, things should pick up on Skinner.
Craig Custance: Waddell said there is lots of trade talk involving Skinner.
Stephen Whyno: Waddell said they will remain busy and could get another trade(s) completed in the next 10 days.
Chris Johnston: Waddell on Skinner: “Lots of talk. We’ll talk to all 30 teams out there. Lots of talk.”
On the St. Louis Blues …
Jeremy Rutherford: Blues GM Doug Armstrong spoke with Don Meehan this afternoon at the draft. He’s the agent for Jeff Skinner, who has a year left on his contract at $5.725 million.