On the Calgary Flames …
Michael Traikos: Flames RFA Johnny Gaudreau on his contract status: “I don’t think I’m speaking to my agent for the next 15 to 20 days…end of tournament see where it goes”
Rob Vollman of ESPN: When looking at Johnny Gaudreau’s numbers, it could take more than $7.5 million a season a new deal – depending on term.
Gaudreau’s scoring maybe closer to Vladimir Tarasenko ($7.5 million) than recently signed Mark Scheifele, Nathan MacKinnon and Filip Forsberg (all $6 million or a bit more).
On PTOs …
James Mirtle: It seems like teams are using a lot of PTOs this year due to the World Cup of Hockey. Some teams are out seven or eight key players for their training camp and exhibition games.
On Kris Russell …
Roger Millions: Spoke to free agent Kris Russell yesterday. He wouldn’t comment as to why he hasn’t signed anything yet, only saying: “he is not comfortable discussing the situation.”
On Kris Versteeg …
Darren Dreger: Several teams have shown interest in signing Kris Versteeg to a PTO. He’ll be back in North America today.
Chip Alexander: Versteeg is back looking for a NHL team. Hurricanes GM Ron Francis said they are not interested in offering him a PTO at this point.
On the World Cup of Hockey …
David Pagnotta: Russia hasn’t officially bid to hold the 2020 World Cup of Hockey. There are many US cities that are interested in host the event. It’s too early to bid.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars …
Mike Heika: Think that Lightning GM Steve Yzerman wants to keep Ben Bishop for now to ensure that Andrei Vasilevskiy is ready. Maybe he looks to trade him in February.
Mike Heika: Not really sure what it would cost the Stars to acquire Ben Bishop. Maybe a top prospect and a high draft pick, maybe more?