On the San Jose Sharks and the Goalie Market …
- Craig Custance of ESPN: A couple sources were saying that the Sharks were in on some of the bigger-named rental wingers at the trade deadline. They are a team rebuilding on the fly, and if they trade Patrick Marleau this offseason, the return will show where GM Doug Wilson thinks his roster is at going forward.
- If a team is of need a goaltender this offseason, Custance would go the trade route over free agency. If the NHL announces they are going to expand, more teams will be looking to trade a goalie as they may only be able to protect one in an expansion draft. Custances first call would be to the Ducks about Frederik Andersen. If that doesn’t work, could call the Lightning about Ben Bishop or the Penguins about Marc-Andre Fleury. The Red Wings could be looking to move Jimmy Howard, though they may have to retain salary. James Reimer is the best available UFA.
On the Calgary Flames …
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: There have been rumors that Johnny Gaudreau may look to sign a three or four year contract instead of eight year, $60-$64 million deal with the Flames so he could play closer to home. Gaudreau has heard those rumors and doesn’t agree.
“I love it out here in Calgary and will be here for a lot of years to come — I don’t think that’s really a problem at all,” Gaudreau told the Calgary Sun.
“It’s difficult (being far from his family) but I think that’s part of being a professional athlete. I’m 22 years old and I’ve been away from home since I was 17, going back in the summer and I’m used to it by now.
“It won’t be long before I’m starting my own family. Obviously it’s great to be close to my family out east but it’s something as a pro athlete you have to learn to live with.”
Gaudreau said there is nothing new to report with regards to their contract talks. Things have been put on hold for now, but he’s not worried about it.
“I’m going to sign whatever my agent thinks is the best contract for me personally, whether it’s eight years, three years or five years, whatever is the best option for me he’ll do because he’s got my best interests in mind,” said Gaudreau, a restricted free agent this July.