Friedman 30 Thoughts Rumor Roundup …
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Teams were informed that next years salary cap could be $74 million if the players vote for the 5 percent escalator.
Potential Seattle arena owner Chris Hansen met with the NHL once again, but he won’t be able to enter the expansion process this time around.
“It’s not unusual for (Hansen) to meet with us when he comes to New York,” Daly said at the GM meetings. “But, as we’ve said before, Seattle is not going to be part of this.”
Penguins GM Jim Rutherford and Islanders GM Garth Snow said that they won’t try to find short-term replacements for Evgeni Malkin and Jaroslav Halak. They could have made a trade, with that player not being eligible for the playoffs.
Talk is the Blues are looking to hire an analytics person.
If the LA Kings are not able to re-sign Milan Lucic, the Canucks are expected to make a big run at him. Nick Kypreos mentioned the Oilers as there is a history with Lucic and GM Peter Chiarelli.
Teams called the Oilers about Nail Yakupov, but GM Chiarelli wasn’t backing down from his asking price. There were rumors that the Canadiens were one of the interested teams, but it doesn’t look like they were that interested.
College free agent Casey Nelson was telling teams a couple weeks ago that he would be returning to school, but things could be changing. Teams are definitely interested in signing him.
Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello on how close the current Leafs lineup is compared to what it could look like next season.
“I don’t think it’s close to what we will see. If we had to put a percentage, I’d probably say 50 per cent, maybe 60 if stretching it. But I think you’ll see changes.”
On the Montreal Canadiens …
Bob McKenzie: Wouldn’t be surprised if the Canadiens traded Alexei Emelin this offseason. His no-movement clause changes to a modified no-trade clause.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
Bob McKenzie: Think that the Coyotes will take the compensatory 2nd round pick and not sign prospect Conner Bleackley. Bleackley would then go back into the draft.
On the Florida Panthers …
Harvey Fialkov: Have been told that no contract extensions are imminent between the Panthers and their pending free agents.
On Steven Stamkos …
TSN: Craig Button looks at the odds for were Steven Stamkos will end up next season.
Tampa Bay Lightning – even
Buffalo Sabres – 9-2
Montreal Canadiens – 9-2
Detroit Red Wings – 9-2
Toronto Maple Leafs – 5-1
NY Rangers – 7-1
Vancouver Canucks – 10-1
Rest of the field – 15-1