On the Colorado Avalanche …
Mike Chambers: The Avalanche could name a new head coach as soon as today – will be this week. They completed their interview process on Monday.
Terry Frei and Mike Chambers: Bob Boughner (Sharks assistant coach) and Kevin Dineen (Blackhawks assistant coach) are major candidates for the Avalanche’s head coaching vacancy.
Other candidates include Jared Bedner, Travis Green, Lane Lambert, and Scott Arniel. Former Avs winger and Blue Jackets assistant coach Brad Larsen won’t be interviewed.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Chris Johnston: The Senators and Cody Ceci agree on a two-year deal. He’ll make $2.25 million this season and $3.35 million next year – a $2.8 million cap hit.
Cap Friendly: The Senators now have a projected salary cap hit of $67.01 million with 23 players under contract. They have no remaining RFAs.
Bruce Garrioch: The Senators weren’t interested in doing the six-year deal that Ceci was looking for. After his two-year deal expires, both sides can evaluate where he’s at.
Bruce Garrioch: The Senators could still sign another defenseman. GM Pierre Dorion said last week that they could invite someone on a PTO.
On the Dallas Stars …
Aivis Kalnins: Stars RFA forward Valeri Nichushkin talked to Traktor of the KHL earlier this summer about a possible return. It is looking like talks could be picking up again.
On the Boston Bruins …
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins weren’t able to sign free agent winger Jimmy Vesey, losing out to the New York Rangers. There are still some free agent options for the Bruins – here are five of the best potential fits for the Bruins if they want to go the free agent route.
1. Jiri Hudler – the 32-year old had a down year, scoring 16 goals and recording 46 points. Did not have a good playoffs with the Panthers. Could fit in their top-six on a line with David Krejci. Could be signed for cheap.
2. Kris Russell – looked at Russell back in July and the price will be much lower now. Signing another small, left-handed defenseman may not make sense, but he has been a top-four defenseman and has averaged almost 23 minutes a game for the past four seasons.
3. Jacob Trouba – the Bruins thought about an offer sheet at the start of free agency, and the RFA remains unsigned.
4. Brandon Pirri – has scored 49 goals in the past three seasons. He scored 14 goals with 15 assists in 61 games last year. He could be a PTO candidate.
5. Marek Zidlicky – could be worth a PTO.