Garrioch rumor roundup …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It doesn’t sound like the Coyotes will make a head coaching change, but GM Don Maloney could be under the microscope after they missed the playoffs again. A member of ownership may be getting tired of the slow rebuilding process. The Coyotes have seven unrestricted free agents, so they’ll have some money to spend. They are expected to re-sign Shane Doan.
There has been no change to Travis Hamonic’s request. Hamonic agreed to finish the season with the Islanders and GM Garth Snow will try again to meet his trade request by the draft
The Bruins would likely want to bring 35-year old Chris Kelly back next year, but at a reduced rate from his current $3 million a season.
The Bruins haven’t had any recent talks with Loui Eriksson’s camp. Just before the trade deadline, they weren’t that far apart. He’s looking for something in the $6 million range. They were a year apart on the length of the contract.
Doesn’t sound like the Lightning and Steven Stamkos are any closer to a contract extension. A deal doesn’t appear to be happening anytime soon. Don’t rule out the possibility of the Lightning doing a sign (eight years) and trade.
“You see those kinds of moves in the NBA all the time. That would get (Tampa) a lot more in return than they’d get if he walked away,” added the executive.
The Blue Jackets will likely try to trade Gregory Campbell again this offseason after they were unsuccessful in moving him at the deadline.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets will be looking to sign Zach Werenski to an entry-level contract as soon as possible. The Blue Jackets will likely offer him the max amount on an entry level deal. It will then be up to Werenski if he wants to go pro. Sources said yesterday that Werenski was leaning towards going pro next year.
Michigan could be going through some big changes for next season, which may help with Werenski’s decision. Head coach Red Berenson could be retiring. Kyle Connor, Tyler Motte and JT Compher are all also considering turning pro.