On the Arizona Coyotes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If the Coyotes decide to make defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson available before the trade deadline, there won’t be a shortage of interested teams. Some teams may be willing to offer up more of what GM John Chayka wants in the offseason, while others may want to get OEL for two playoff runs.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers are in a group that have shown more than a passing interest in Ekman-Larsson.
The Coyotes are looking two high-end roster players and a first-round pick. Would a serious contender want to give up that much in-season? The Coyotes can ask for that now, and the asking price could come down closer to the deadline.
There is the report that Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson asked for a trade. There has been some talk that the Blue Jackets had offered Johnson a long-term deal at less than $4 million a season earlier this year. The Blue Jackets are looking for a top prospect and a first-round pick for Johnson.
There is nothing really new with regards to John Tavares and the Islanders. The Islanders can’t let him walk for nothing on July 1st. There could be some pressure come the trade deadline if he’s not re-signed.
The Coyotes have been shopping defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson, who has a 10-team no-trade list. It’s believed that he prefers not to play for a Canadian team.
The Canadiens can’t give up on the season yet, but they need to make a move or two. Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk are getting lots of interest.
Panthers GM Dale Tallon has been looking for some forward depth. The Panthers entered play yesterday six points out of the wildcard. They, along with the Blues, are among the teams interested in Ottawa Senators Mike Hoffman.
The Sharks are looking to move defenseman Paul Martin. Martin has a limited no-movement clause (six-team list) and a $4.85 million cap hit that runs through next season.
The Sabres are expected to trade forward Evander Kane. The Blues and Sharks are believed to be among the interested teams. The Sabres want a prospect, a first-round pick, and an extra pick if he re-signs. The Canucks have always been interested in Kane. Kane will more likely be a rental player for someone.
