Lee isn’t an issue for the Islanders just yet
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: New York Islanders pending free agent and team captain Anders Lee carries a $3.75 million salary cap hit and a $5 million salary this season.
It’s not known if the Islanders will open up the checkbook for Lee or if he’ll hit the open market.
It’s not an issue for the Islanders just yet, but it could be when the trade deadline gets closer.
Blue Jackets frustration with Bobrovsky continues
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 960 and was talking about the Columbus Blue Jackets and pending free agent goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.
Friedman notes that Blue Jackets frustration with Bobrovsky dates back to the offseason when Bobrovsky blew off a meeting with GM Jarmo Kekalainen and Artemi Panarin to talk about the upcoming season. Bobrovsky was upset with some things that were said about the past year or two.
The Blue Jackets would like to keep Panarin but they realize he’s not going to re-sign.
Friedman believes they like to keep Bobrovsky but it’s obvious he doesn’t want to stay in Columbus. They have been frustrated with his focus level and attitude.
Bobrovsky has a no-movement clause and it’s believed he’s provided them with some teams that he’d consider a move too.
“I mean, everything we’re looking at is the Islanders. I don’t know if it’s going to end up being that way, but if we were wagering right now they would be the team.”
Sportsnet: “Tape to Tape” podcast hosts Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen proposed a hypothecal trade between the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Flames would get Sergei Bobrovsky and the Blue Jackets would get Mike Smith, a 2019 first round pick, and one of Jon Gillies or Tyler Parsons.
The Flames would need to move some salary to fit Bobrovsky in or they would need to get the Blue Jackets to retain some salary.