On the New York Rangers …
Andy Strickland: There has been speculation that Rangers pending free agent Michael Grabner could re-sign in the offseason, but there has been no talks.
On the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, and John Tavares …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 590 yesterday. In the talks involving the Rangers, Friedman was asked if the Rangers would look at John Tavares if he goes to free agency this offseason.
“Absolutely,” agreed Friedman. “You know what. I wouldn’t be surprised – if he doesn’t sign with the Islanders, and I’ve said a lot that’s my No. 1 option of what I think he wants to do – if he doesn’t sign with the Islanders, the Devils have a lot of cap room too. Don’t you think both the Rangers and the Devils are going to say, ‘If you don’t want to move, we’re right here.’”
On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun: The Blackhawks could use some scoring and defensive help, but they won’t be buyers at the deadline.
“I don’t think we’re going to be a buyer this season,” Bowman said on the NBC Sports Chicago broadcast Thursday night.
Entering last night the Blackhawks were eight points out of the playoffs with 28 games left. That doesn’t put them in a position to move draft picks and/or prospects for a rental.
It would be difficult for the Blackhawks to move Brent Seabrook‘s contract. GM Stan Bowman doesn’t appear interested in trading away his core though, and a source has said there is “no chance” that Seabrook would waive his no-movement clause. Without getting a nice sweetner, no team would likely want his remaining six years at $6.875 million per.
The could look to move Tommy Wingles or pending free agents Michal Kempny, Jan Rutta, Erik Gustafsson or Tomas Jurco.
Though it’s unlikely, they could see what they could get for Brandon Saad.