On the New York Rangers …
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Jeff Gorton continues to work on signing prospect Pavel Buchnevich. While there is still some work to do on it, sources saying it could be completed by the weekend.
Buchnevich doesn’t speak English and he could spend a good portion of the summer training in New York to help get acclimatized to his new surroundings.
Gorton hasn’t begun contract talks with pending restricted free agents – Chris Kreider, J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes and Dylan McIlrath – or with their pending unrestricted free agents in Keith Yandle and Viktor Stalberg.
They are not expected to re-sign Eric Staal, Dominic Moore or Dan Boyle.
If there is going to be an expansion draft or not will factor into some of their decisions. They could buyout Dan Girardi or possibly look to trade Rick Nash.
On the New York Islanders …
Arthur Staple of Newsday: Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic on rescinding his trade request.
“When Garth and I spoke last summer, the whole reason why this came about was some serious health concerns for a member of my family back home,” Hamonic said. “It was a tough, trying year but I had the support of the whole organization and my teammates the whole year and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.
“In the last little while, we’ve learned the situation has stabilized itself. Just relieved for that, thankful for that, pretty grateful. I love being an Islander, it’s my home here, my family loves it, I love my teammates, this organization. Being an Islander is one of the best things I do with my life.”
GM Garth Snow has to make decisions on pending UFAs Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen and Matt Martin.
“I really like our team in the net, on the blue line and through the middle,” Snow said. “I think we’re strong there. Do we need to make improvements? Absolutely. And we’re going to try to get better this offseason.”