The Montreal Canadiens need a reliable backup
Eric Engels of Sportsnet: Montreal Canadiens backup goaltender Antti Niemi has already been told that he won’t be back next season.
The Canadiens need to find a reliable, cost-effective backup goaltender.
They have Charlie Lindgren signed for two more years on a one-way deal, but he needs to have some competition and earn the spot.
Potential options could be pending free agents Cam Talbot, Brian Elliott, Curtis McElhinney, Anders Nilsson, Keith Kinkaid and Michael Hutchinson.
On the NY Islanders list of pending unrestricted free agents
Andrew Gross of Newsday: Looking at the New York Islanders pending free agents.
Jordan Eberle – He wasn’t consistent this season and will likely move on after two years with the Islanders. He could get another $6 million somewhere. The Islanders will need to replace his goal scoring.
Valtteri Filppula – The Islanders are not deep down the middle and they could bring him back on a one-year deal.
Tanner Fritz – Adds depth and could be brought back on a cheap deal.
Tom Kuhnhackl – Won’t be a priority for the Islanders and will likely be offered more money and term from another team.
Anders Lee – Would like to stay but since they haven’t reached a deal by now it makes sense to see what his “true market value is.” The Islanders would likely have to offer at least six years and $6 million plus.
Robin Lehner – He could be looking for a five-year, $30 million contract now. Goaltending prospect Ilya Sorokin is a year from coming to North America. Going to be a tough decision for GM Lou Lamoriello.
Brock Nelson – He might be looking for four- or five-year deal at around $5.5 million. That might not be a contract Lamoriello wants to hand out.
Luca Sbisa – Unlikely to be back.
Andrew Gross of Newsday: The New York Islanders will have their exit interviews today.
The Islanders knew that they were a little lean on the high-skilled forward positions, but coach Barry Trotz said they have some good kids coming up – Otto Koivula, Oliver Wahlstrom, Kieffer Bellows and Josh Ho-Sang.