On the Los Angeles Kings …
Pierre LeBrun: Think that at some point the Kings spoke to the Golden Knights about selecting Marian Gaborik … Don’t think those talks lasted long.
Dennis Bernstein: Only speculation surrounding Slava Voynov. He hasn’t approached the NHL about a potential return. He’s under contract with SKA and assuming he’ll play for Russia at the 2018 Olympics.
On the Anaheim Ducks …
David Pagnotta: There has been some talk that Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen could end up in Vegas.
David Pagnotta: The Ducks would like to re-sign free agent forward Patrick Eaves and the feeling is mutual. It’s expected that talks pick up after the draft.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Bruce Garrioch: Have been led to believe that the Senators told defenseman Cody Ceci that they will protect him. Would mean that Dion Phaneuf or Marc Methot will be on the move.
James Gordon: “So theoretically Sens could deal Methot + lose third-pair guy, who is arguably better than second-pair guys?”
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Joe Smith: Hearing the Nikita Gusev will wait till after next season to decide whether to head to North American and the Lightning or re-sign in the KHL.
On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers GM Ron Hextall on having the second overall pick the draft.
“Look at past drafts,” he said during a news conference at the Skate Zone in Voorhees on Friday. “Have you ever looked at those re-drafts five years later? You have a guy who goes 20th who should have gone second. You have to be really careful going by public opinion. You have to pick what you think is the best player. Even though it might not be popular at that time. And I’m not hinting anything there.”
Hextall added that he expects to make the pick at No. 2.
