On the New York Rangers …
Steve Zipay of Newsday: Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said that they will be looking for another young defenseman.
On if Marc Staal and Dan Girardi will get less ice time next year if they are back.
“I don’t think I have an answer for you today,” Vigneault said. “But it’s something we’re going to look at.”
Dan Girardi is a buy out candidate.
Antti Raanta has a year left at $1 million and could be exposed in the expansion draft if they don’t make a move before.
“Everybody around the league is talking about the draft. I can only focus on that I’m a Ranger. Every goalie in this business wants to be the No. 1 guy, that’s the dream. If and when I’m back here, there’s a guy who’s the No. 1, so it’s a good challenge. I’ll try to be a little better and consistent and hopefully be a No. 1 someday.’’
On the Vegas Golden Knights …
Pierre LeBrun: “have heard from teams who are contemplating using Vegas’ unique free-agent window prior to June 21 in this fashion. Team X could offer Vegas an asset in exchange for signing a pending UFA from another team during that unique window. Then Vegas would flip that signed player to Team X. But key is that Vegas must wait until after expansion draft to flip the signed player. That’s because any signed free agent during the unique window counts as one of Vegas’ roster picks for expansion draft. Might be worth the asset for Vegas if it counts as an expansion draft pick from a team that doesn’t have much to select from to begin with. And FYI, league source says all of this is permissible. Just another potential expansion draft week wrinkle.”
On Matt Duchene …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Darren Dreger spoke with Matt Duchene about dealing with trade rumors.
“That part has actually been okay for me,” said Duchene. “A lot of what I’m going through right now is just how to deal with the past. The future is something I’m excited about. Whether I’m still a member of the Avs or not, I know what I want to accomplish. I know where I need to go in terms of my game, my development, mentally. So that’s more a concern to me now than anything.
“I’m just going to let happen whatever happens.”