On Nail Yakupov …
Adrian Dater: asked Nail Yakupov’s agent (Larionov) if Yakupov was going to head back to the KHL: “he’s a grown man, and he will decide what’s best for him”
On Lou Lamoriello …
Amar Basi: Bob McKenzie: “There is no doubt Lou Lamoriello wants to be a GM…There has been heavy talk right from the get go in regards to Lamoriello and the Islanders. I’d be the least surprised guy if he ends up on Long Island.”
On the Edmonton Oilers …
Jonathan Willis of The Athletic: The Oilers are slotted to draft at the No. 10 in this year’s draft. There is a very good chance they can get a good NHL player if they hold on to the pick. Three options for the Oilers and their first-round pick.
They can trade for a player that would immediately help them. They could make a small deal to either move up or down in the first-round – for draft picks or for salary cap relief. The third option would be to make the pick.
On the Montreal Canadiens and Max Pacioretty …
Chris Nichols of FRS Hockey: Bob McKenzie on his Bobcast said that he believes the Montreal Canadiens will revisit Max Pacioretty trade talks at the NHL draft.
“I don’t believe that the way things currently stand, barring a change, that Montreal wants to make a long-term commitment to Pacioretty. He’s got a year left on his deal. I think that they want to explore some different options and that possibly trading Pacioretty would satisfy those.
“But by the same token, they can’t give him away. And he didn’t have a great year this year. The Montreal Canadiens didn’t have a great year. But he’s still a pretty consistent goal scorer, and you can’t give these guys away.”