On the New York Rangers …
Bob McKenzie: The deal is not done yet, but David Quinn of Boston University is well down the road of being named the next head coach of the Rangers.
Bob McKenzie: Rangers GM Jeff Gorton is still at the World Championship. Quinn has already been interviewed and appears to be their primary target.
Rick Carpiniello: Rangers hiring of Quinn is close, but it’s not done yet.
Larry Brooks: Two sources saying that Quinn has said he wants the Rangers position. Sounds like only a negotiation breakdown would prevent him from being their next head coach.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Chris Nichols of FRS Hockey: In part of Bob McKenzie’s Bobcast, he was talking about the Buffalo Sabres and how they will be making some changes to their core to help improve the culture.
“So I think they’re all ears on just about anybody not named Jack Eichel or Rasmus Dahlin, and I suppose that’s a little bit hyperbole. I mean, it always is when you say, ‘They’re listening on everybody.’ I mean, it’s not a fire sale. But I think if they do get a call on just about anybody there, other than Eichel or obviously the first overall pick and what will become Rasmus Dahlin, they are going to listen.”
McKenzie continues that Ryan O’Reilly is the most likely player to be moved. Though he’s only 27-years-old, the Sabres may be looking to surround Eichel and Dahlin with younger players. Moving O’Reilly who is a top-six center should land them multiple pieces.
Multiple teams would be interested in O’Reilly, with McKenzie noting the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens. The Sabres could be looking for a solid young player, a top prospect, and a high pick, but not necessarily a first-round pick.
O’Reilly carries a $7.5 million salary cap hit – an $8.5 million salary next year, but $7.5 million of that is due on July 1st in the form of a signing bonus. That’s something the Hurricanes may not be eager to do. The potential of John Tavares being available could also hold things up according to McKenzie.
McKenzie continues with the Sabres will also get calls on Sam Reinhart and Rasmus Ristolainen. The Sabres may not be eager to move either. There has been speculation about the Edmonton Oilers and Ristolainen.
“I’m not saying there will be or won’t be; but as near as I can tell based on the information I’ve got, I don’t believe there have been any talks in that regard.”