Quick Hits on the Maple Leafs, Canucks and Kings
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The Toronto Maple Leafs are close to signing AHL head coach Sheldon Keefe to a contract extension.
There have been no contract extension talks between the Vancouver Canucks and goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Markstrom has a year left $3.6 million and they are able to talk to him but not sign until after July 1st.
The Canucks may try to acquire a young defenseman – early to mid-20s.
Talk of Todd McLellan‘s being connected to the Los Angeles Kings may become frequent now that the Kings are eliminated.
Interest in undrafted Brazeau
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The Columbus Blue Jackets and Vegas Golden Knights are among the teams interested in Justin Brazeau.
Darren Dreger: There were at least 10 teams expected to be scouting the OHL playoff game between the Niagara and North Bay. Brazeau is drawing interest.
On the NHL playoff format
TSN: Pierre LeBrun when asked if the current NHL playoff format is going to continue.
“Probably. It’s going to continue because it’s not a front-burner issue at this moment. Certainly not with the NHL and not really with the NHLPA either. But, as a factual matter, the agreement between the PA and the League on the playoff format actually expires at the end of this season. So the PA has to give the NHL its blessing to say ‘yeah, let’s stick with it for at least another year.’
Now, there is a call that is being set up for Friday between the NHL and the NHLPA to discuss just this, but all signs point to the fact that both sides will just continue with it for now. They need more time to tackle this. But, they will at some point in time because a lot of people don’t like it.”