Matt Niskanen just first domino with salary cap maneuvering
JJ Regan of NBC Sports Washington: Trading Matt Niskanen to free up cap space was only the beginning for Brian MacLellan. Washington freed up $3.405 million then later used it to re-sign Carl Hagelin.
Also, they received Radko Gudas in the deal. It appears Brett Connolly may be gone as there is not enough money barring another move.
Does Washington walk away from Andre Burakovsky? That remains a possibility.
Bob Murray and all those eventual Anaheim Ducks moves
Eric Stephens of The Athletic: Looking back at the Bob Murray to-do list is interesting for a variety of reasons. The head coach was on top of the list. It appears that Dallas Eakins will be hired on Monday.
Then, there was resolving Ryan Kesler and Patrick Eaves‘ situations. Those are done more or less as neither will be back this year at least.
After that, there is still work to do. Corey Perry is still in Anaheim, for now.
A decision has not been made on Adam Henrique or their core as of yet. The rest of the list is a “stay tuned” as they say.
Eric Stephens of The Athletic (Q&A): A few questions answered by Eric Stephens included draft picks, coaching decision, player moves, and more. The fact Peyton Krebs injured his Achilles changes little as far as his draft status. Bob Murray is notorious for taking his time and activity may increase the closer we get to Vancouver.
So, for those expecting a quick resolution to Corey Perry or say Henrique/Ritchie, one will have to wait.
One thing to note is that Bob Murray values cap space and that first draft pick at this stage.
The prospect with the highest upside in this organization is Sam Steel without a doubt. After that Troy Terry and Max Comtois are solid secondary options.
Finally, waiting is the hardest part. Anaheim still needs that fourth defenseman but that hinges on other things happening first.