Rangers appear to be holding firm with two RFAs
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Anthony DeAngelo and Brendan Lemieux have $874,125 qualifying offers from the New York Rangers.
The agents for both DeAngelo and Lemieux declined to comment on talks.
The Rangers wouldn’t comment either, but appear to be holding firm with their qualifying offers. They don’t have a lot of extra salary cap space to work with.
If DeAngelo is able to put up 30-40 points this season, he could be looking at $3 million next year, and he will be arbitration eligible.
Leafs would still like to bring to Gardiner back
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas would love to find a way to bring Jake Gardiner back next season. Their cap situation and an unsigned Mitch Marner are obviously getting in the way though.
Simmons has been told that the only way the Maple Leafs could sign Gardiner would be if they signed Marner to a bridge contract and they would likely have to trade one of Kasperi Kapanen or Andreas Johnsson – and that still may not be enough to make it happen.
Some potential targets for the Oilers … ‘Tepid’ interest in Puljujarvi
Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal: Just spit-balling but free agents Niklas Kronwall and Thomas Vanek could be useful to the Edmonton Oilers and have Ken Holland ties.
Interest from the league on Jesse Puljujarvi is “tepid, at best” after talking to some people around the league. Believe that it’s possible that Puljujarvi plays in Finland this year. Puljujarvi has more value to the Edmonton Oilers than anyone else. They need right wingers and they can’t lose another first round pick for nothing.
There has been a report that Patrick Marleau might have interest in signing with the Oilers. The Oilers are looking to add a veteran forward. The San Jose Sharks may be another team interested and are a likely fit.