On the New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings …
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: There has been some speculation over Alain Vigneault‘s future with the NY Rangers. He has two years left at around $4 million a season. The Rangers started restocking their cupboard this past offseason, and the trend may continue. Pending UFAs include Rick Nash, Michael Grabner, and Nick Holden.
can’t see the Rangers moving Pavel Buchnevich, Brady Skjei or Mika Zibanejad. Contending teams would love Ryan McDonagh or Mats Zuccarello. Chris Kreider and J.T. Miller would also interest teams. The Rangers are still in the playoff hunt and are not giving up on the season – it’s possible they don’t trade anyone.
Ottawa Senators GM Pierre Dorion scouted the Vegas Golden Knights twice this week.
The Edmonton Oilers are looking to make a move but may have to go internally for now. Jesse Puljujarvi could be the Oilers biggest trade chip but have to think they’d need to give him another shot before moving on from him.
Vadim Shipachyov wants his contract terminated. He’d have to re-pay his $2 million signing bonuses – keeping a pro-rated $86,000.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are the favorites to sign 25-year old KHL defenseman Igor Ozhiganov next offseason.
The Montreal Canadiens will also be looking at the European/KHL free agent market.
Alexander Khokhlachev could return to the Boston Bruins next season.
Florida Panthers defenseman Alex Petrovic is a year away from free agency and has found his ice time decreasing.
Teams are calling the Winnipeg Jets about goaltender Michael Hutchinson who is playing in the AHL. Another depth goaltender to keep an eye on is Senators Andrew Hammond.
The Pittsburgh Penguins GM Jim Rutherford doesn’t feel any pressure to make another trade.
The Penguins made two offers to the Detroit Red Wings for Riley Sheahan before they finally got the trade done. The Andreas Athanasiou re-signing brought the cap pressure to make a move.