On Kris Russell …
Andy Strickland: There are a few teams still looking at free agent defesneman Kris Russell, but they would need to move out some salary before they would be able to sign him.
On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Scott Powers of The Athletic: A source is saying that not everyone in the Blackhawks organization believe that forward Mark McNeill has been NHL ready the past few seasons. This is part of the reason that McNeill was in the rumor mill around July 1st, with the Edmonton Oilers being involved in one rumor.
In the past, the Blackhawks have moved players in similar circumstances – Brandon Pirri and Jeremy Morin. Both produced at the AHL, but couldn’t crack the Blackhawks lineup consistently.
The Blackhawks have a few forward spots open and how McNeill performs at training camp will determine if he can crack their roster. Knowing that the Blackhawks don’t have a lot of salary cap space, McNeill signed a $600,000 deal.
“It’s part of the reason we did a contract like we did to ensure there’s no impediment to Mark trying to secure a roster spot with the Hawks,” Oster said. “Any decision the team makes on Mark is based on his ability to help the Hawks to be successful and not what his contract is.”
On Las Vegas …
Elliotte Friedman: Belief is that Las Vegas have asked the Capitals for permission to speak with assistant GM Ross Mahoney. It’s not known (as of yesterday afternoon) if the Capitals have granted it. There is a lot of history between Vegas GM George McPhee and Mahoney.
Ben Raby: Mahoney has been with the Capitals for 18 seasons.
Mike Hume: It would be a big loss for the Capitals as Mahoney has been responsible for finding some good draft value in the late first round and beyond.