On the Arizona Coyotes and Martin Hanzal …
Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: After a career high 41 points last season, Martin Hanzal is entering the final season of his five-year deal. Hanzal’s camp and the GM John Chayka will talk soon.
“We’re going to get together before camp and talk about things,” Chayka said.
The Coyotes aren’t close to signing anyone to a PTO, but they remain open to the possibility.
On some remaining free agents …
Mark Godin of the La Presse: (google translate) Alex Tanguay’s agent said there are two or three teams interested in the 36-year old forward. Tanguay is fine with doing one-year deals from now on. After recording 35 points in 70 games, Tanguay feels he’s earned the right to contract and not a PTO. Tanguay informed the Montreal Canadiens back in July that he would be interested in joining them.
Steve Bernier is also still looking for a team. His agent said that no fewer than seven teams have shown interest.
Darren Dreger: Insurance issues overseas will mean that Kris Versteeg will return to back to North America and will be a free agent again. Although he’s healthy, hip surgery four years ago may have prevented him for getting the coverage he needed to play in Switzerland.
On the New York Islanders …
Jim Baumbach of Newsday: The New York Islanders have an opt-out clause in the arena lease agreement with the Barclays Center. The sides need to have “good-faith discussions” before either side able to opt-out after three seasons.
After this season in Brooklyn, both sides have until January 1st in 2018 to renegotiate their agreement. At that time they can decide to either keep the current deal or to opt-out. If the Islanders decide to opt-out, they can decide if they want to leave after their third or fourth season. The Islanders are entering their second year at Barclays.
Co-owners Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin have been looking at potential arena sites beside Citi Field or at Belmont Park.
It has been noted by some experts that it could be complicated for the Islanders to have “good-faith discussions” with Barclays while they are looking at new arena sites.
