On the New York Rangers …
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Defenseman Dan Girardi is a potential buyout candidate after the season. He has played well since returning from injury in March. He has two years left on his deal at a $5.5 million cap hit. The league is getting faster and the 32-year old isn’t.
The Rangers gave up a second and third round pick to acquire Brendan Smith. The Rangers may be interested in keeping the pending unrestricted free agent. A good playoffs could increase his asking price.
On the New York Islanders …
Darren Dreger: All is quiet regarding John Tavares and the New York Islanders. That can obviously change in the near future, with the coach and their future home being factors.
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman was on the NHL Network and was talking about the New York Islanders. The Islanders announced that Doug Weight will be back as their head coach but they may not know what is happening with their hockey operations department just yet.
“I think they’re going to have an idea in the next two-to-three weeks about John Tavares. Is he going to give them an indication that he is going to sign an extension, or is he going to give them an indication that he is going to wait.
“I think that is going to kind of force their hand and shape their future. Do they feel they’re going to have to trade him. Do they feel he’s going to stay.
“I think the way Tavares reacts with them in the next two-to-three weeks, in terms of what idea he gives them about whether or not he will sign an extension, will answer a lot of their other questions.”
The Islanders have been looking to add to their management team. EJ Hradek mentions Bill Guerin and Dean Lombardi. Friedman notes that you need to see how they are tied to Pat Brisson or John Tavares. Guerin (Penguins) has a good relationship with Brisson. Lombardi may not have a strong relationship with Brisson.
“I’ll give you another name, and that’s Mike Gillis – who was in Vancouver until a couple of years ago, has been out for a couple of years. When he was in Vancouver, they did two contracts with the Sedins. I do think Gillis is kind of a guy who has been around the Islanders’ situation, who was kind of on their list of names to talk to.”