On Loui Eriksson …
Jimmy Murphy: Hearing the Panthers are not in on Loui Eriksson. Teams to watch include the Red Wings, Canadiens, Blues, Sharks and Devils.
On Kyle Okposo …
Arthur Staple: Sounding like Kyle Okposo has shortened his list and should be one of the first signings tomorrow.
On the Colorado Avalanche …
Adrian Dater: Hearing that Avalanche could send Dale Weise an offer.
On Alexander Radulov …
Slava Malamud: Radulov still doesn’t have a KHL contract. Only CSKA can afford him, but he doesn’t really want to go there. The NHL is still a possibility.
Garrioch Rumor Roundup …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It’s sounding like it could be an eventful start of free agency.
“I think there’s going to be lots of action,” predicted one NHL insider Thursday afternoon, less than 24 hours before the market was set to open. “It’s going to be busy and lots of guys are going to get lots of money.”
Sounding like the Oilers are the front runners for Milan Lucic. Term was a issue for the Kings with Lucic.
The Avs are getting a lot of interest in Tyson Barrie, but GM Joe Sakic is saying he’s not available. Gabriel Landeskog’s name came up yesterday – a $5.571 cap hit through 2020-21. Would take a massive deal to move Landeskog.
Frans Nielsen is still a possibility for the Islanders, but the Red Wings, Maple Leafs and Capitals may show interest.
The Avs, Canucks and Sabres have shown some interest in Patrick Wiercioch. He was almost traded to the Avs two years ago.
Kyle Okposo could be one of the first to sign today. The Sabres, Wild, Canucks and Oilers have shown interest. The Panthers could be another team considering Okposo.
Loui Eriksson has a history with Canucks GM Jim Benning.
Brian Campbell could sign a one year deal with the Blackhawks.