On Ilya Kovalchuk …
Slava Malamud: Ilya Kovalchuk would likely prefer to stay around New York or end up in Florida. His family will be a major factor in where he goes – has four kids. It will likely be a sign-and-trade.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Mike Harrington: Sabres owner Terry Pegula at yesterday’s Bills press conference on the Sabres GM search: “We’re close on the Sabres to having a final answer”
On the Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Sabres and Vegas Golden Knights …
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets assistant GM Bill Zito interviewed for the Sabres vacant GM position on Saturday.
The Vegas Golden Knights are interested in Blue Jackets AHL affiliate head coach John Madden as a potential assistant coach. Madden was an assistant coach with the Florida Panthers when Gerard Gallant was their head coach.
On the Colorado Avalanche …
Adrian Dater of BSN Denver: The Avalanche had hope to have defenseman Will Butcher signed by now, but as each day passes the feeling increases that he won’t be signed by the August 15th deadline.
If the Hobey Baker winner isn’t signed by then he’ll become a free agent.
“We have the sole right to negotiate with him until Aug. 15,” is all Avalanche vice president of communications and team services Jean Martineau would say on the matter. General manager Joe Sakic declined to comment.
The Avs could look to trade Butcher’s rights if they feel they won’t be able to sign him.
Adrian Dater of BSN Denver: The draft lottery wasn’t kind to the Colorado Avalanche as they moved down down three slots and will select at No. 4.
This may put more pressure on GM Joe Sakic to hit a home-run in a trade to improve their blueline.
The Dallas Stars moved ahead of the Avs in the draft (No. 3) and have a need on the blueline as well. They are likely to select Miro Heiskanen with their pick. The Avs will now likely go with the best player available. Had the Avs dropped back to No. 3, they could have selected Heiskanen and had less pressure on finding defensive help this offseason.