On the Edmonton Oilers …
Robert Tychkovski of the Edmonton Sun: The Oilers will have to decide this offseason if they should dismantle some of their core or not. Connor McDavid should be the only untouchable. The Oilers played themselves into another overhaul this offseason, and Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins didn’t make a case this season that they should stay together. There needs to be changes.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Chris Nichols: Bob McKenzie on Elliotte Friedman’s report on Pavel Datsyuk and the KHL: “Nothing’s been decided, and yet where there’s smoke there’s fire.”
On Free Agency …
Adrian Dater: Patrick Roy on free agency: “July 1st is probably the worst day in hockey, IMO. You’re giving long term to guys who take advantage of their position”
On James Reimer …
Gary Lawless: James Reimer will be the top UFA goalie this summer.
Frank Seravalli: Seravalli notes that there may not be much of market for Reimer. Aside from the Flames and Maple Leafs, who needs a starter? Almost all other teams have starters.
James Mirtle: Mirtle also notes that not a lot of teams need a starting goalie. Maybe four year and $4 million per season.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
Dave Vest of Coyotes.NHL: The 39-year old Shane Doan is a pending UFA, but he is still in GM Don Maloney’s plans.
“He’s in our plans for as long as he wants to continue to play,” Maloney told Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, the team’s flagship radio station, on Wednesday. “We certainly expect him next year. We’ve talked to Shane a number of times (and) we’ll sit down early in the off-season and get a deal done for next year.”
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“His value to me with the young people we have is something we must have,” Maloney said. “Fortunately Shane feels good, he’s healthy, he’s energetic, and we expect him to be back next year, and then we’ll see after next year where we go from there.”