Still no salary cap number
Frank Seravalli: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said that the NHL is still waiting for the NHLPA to sign off on what next year’s salary cap number is going to be. They are hopeful that they can it on Saturday.
Lots of trade talk, or maybe not …
Jeff Svoboda: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen: “There’s a lot of conversation and we’ll see where it goes. It’s an interesting time of the year. We don’t have a first-round pick as of right now. Will that change before tomorrow? Who knows?”
Eric Engels: Montreal Canadiens on the talk that there has been more trade discussion this year and in years past: “I think it’s the opposite.”
Holland knows about a Finnish option for Puljujarvi
Jim Matheson: Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland is aware that Finland may be an option for Jesse Puljujarvi, but isn’t sure if Puljujarvi camp will go that route.
Bob Stauffer: Three options for the Oilers with Puljujarvi.
“1. Trade-for another prospect, or established player (2-3M) from cap challenged team.
2. He comes back to Edmonton and EARNS playing time (yes I know what his agent Markus Lehto said)
3. Europe- Oilers would retain his rights, he wouldn’t count on 50-man”
Marleau would love a SJ return but they other priorities
Pierre LeBrun: Patrick Marleau would definitely love to end up back in San Jose. The Sharks might be interested as well but they have other bigger priorities.
They are trying to figure out if they can re-sign UFAs Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton. They also have RFA Timo Meier.
Kevin Kurz: “If I’m the Sharks, I’d be a little worried about an offer sheet to Timo Meier. They’re in a vulnerable position right now with the salary cap, and Meier is only getting better coming off a 30-goal season. What if a team offers him six years/$40 mil and Sharks are only at 2/$10?”
Could Patrick Marleau return to San Jose?
Gardiner and Trouba looking for big money
@Prospects_Watch: Nick Kypreos said on Sportsnet 590 that the starting point for Jake Gardiner next contract will start at seven years and $50 million. Jacob Trouba could start at $8 million per.