On Expansion …
- Darren Dreger: The NHL and NHLPA talked yesterday in New York about expansion. The sides would have to negotiate terms of the draft if they decide to expand.
On the Montreal Canadiens …
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Canadiens coach Michel Therrien has a vote of confidence from GM Marc Bergevin. Matheson notes bilingual coach Marc Crawford left Zurich of the Swiss league and might give Bergevin something to think about. Crawford coached Auston Matthews this year.
On the Winnipeg Jets …
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson wonders if the Jets will be able to find a team that would trade for Ondrej Pavelec this offseason. Pavelec has one year left on his deal. He’s no longer a No. 1 goalie, but he’s paid like one. Connor Hellebuyck will be the Jets No. 1 goalie next year.
On the Edmonton Oilers …
- Jim Matheson: Some are bothered by Lauri Korpikoski’s $2.5 million salary next year … If the Oilers don’t want him, they can look to trade him at the deadline and maybe get a draft pick for him.
On GMs have a personal connection with players …
- Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman talking on Sportsnet on if he’s ever not traded a player because of a personal connection.
“You can’t,” replied Bowman. “You can’t let yourself get attached. That’s why I try to maintain a good relationship with our players, but I don’t really try to get too close to them because I think I’ve had to make more hard decisions probably than anybody. I’ve traded away so many good players that I’ve liked that are great guys, great players, young players. We’ve had to part ways with them.
“I think the only way it works is if you take the emotion out of it. I mean, it sounds cold but it is a business at the end of the day. It’s a sport and a business. If you fall in love with players, you’re going to end up with a team that’s not achieving too much.”