On the Colorado Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres, Tampa Bay Lightning and Los Angeles Kings …
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: A league executive said that Colorado Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon is not as untouchable as he once was.
Pro scouts are saying that they may be willing to listen to offers on anyone other than Mikko Rantanen.
If the Avalanche trade Matt Duchene this offseason, they will be trading him when his value is low. Duchene had scored only two goals in his past 32 games, and one point in his past 18 games.
Buffalo Sabres coach Dan Bylsma is on the hot seat. Players have been grumbling about his coaching system being too structured. Owner Terry Pegula may not be that interested in paying him $3 million a year for another three years to not coach. He’ll be on a short leash next year.
Have to wonder if Tyler Johnson will be back with the Tampa Bay Lightning next year. They have salary cap concerns and Brayden Point has fit in nicely with Nikita Kucherov and Ondrej Palat. The Lightning need to improve their blueline and Johnson could be a trade chip.
Tyler Toffoli may have to go for a bridge deal after his scoring has dropped from 31 last year to this year. He may have been hoping for $5 million a year on a long-term deal.
Sabres Tyler Ennis could use a change of scenery. He has two years left on his deal at $4.6 million a year. Would the Vegas Golden Knights consider drafting him?
On the New York Islanders …
Arthur Staple: “Amazing that a big unveiling of the new Coliseum features pols begging for the #Isles to come back… Barclays folks can’t be enjoying that. Also an unveiling/begging for #Isles to come back that does not feature the #Isles actual owners tells me they’re not exactly interested.”