On the Florida Panthers …
- Harvey Fialkov: Panthers GM Dale Tallon said there are no contract extensions imminent for Brian Campbell, Eric Gudbranson and Vincent Trocheck. They are focusing on their playoff drive.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
- Aaron Portzline: John Davidson wouldn’t say what their plans are if Zach Werenski and Michigan are eliminated from the NCAA tournament this weekend.
- Aaron Portzline: Davidson did add that they will talk with Werenski’s advisor as soon as Michigan’s season is over to see if he wants to sign with the Blue Jackets or return to Michigan for his third season.
On the New York Islanders …
- Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Bob McKenzie on TSN 1200 on the Travis Hamonic and Kyle Okposo of the New York Islanders.
“Well, I think there will be an effort made to try and facilitate the Hamonic trade. Technically the Islanders aren’t obliged to do it, but Hamonic does have personal reasons why he wants to get closer to his home in Western Canada.
“But Garth Snow has got to get a fair deal. And getting a fair deal for a defenseman who plays as many minutes as Hamonic does for less than $4 million a year on a deal that’s got multiple years left on it – that’s next to impossible. So Hamonic’s tremendous contract and value to the New York Islanders, both on and off the ice, is a real impediment to getting a fair exchange. But I’ve got think that they’ll try to work on that at the draft.
“As for Okposo, I think he’s as good as gone, for the most part. Never say never, I guess, but I think he’s going to be looking for a lot more money than the New York Islanders are prepared to give him, and that he’s most likely to go to unrestricted free agency.
“If that’s the case, what the Islanders will probably do is try to get a lower-level draft pick to trade his negotiating rights from the end of season to before July 1.”