On the Ottawa Senators …
Don Brennan of the Ottawa Senators: If the Senators want to upgrade upfront, Coyotes center Martin Hanzal should be considered. He’s in the last year of his deal and carries a $3.1 million cap hit.
The Colorado Avalanche could look to move Jarome Iginla, but he may not be fast enough for Guy Boucher’s system.
The New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres may be hoping they can get back in the playoff race. They may have an expiring contract that interests the Senators anyways.
Shane Doan likely isn’t going anywhere. Radim Vrbata could be another option.
If the Senators trade for Hanzal, the might be open to re-signing with him.
On Kevin Shattenkirk, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Darren Dreger on TSN 1050 radio talking about St. Louis Blues pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. Shattenkirk will get plenty of interest on the open market if he gets to July 1st. Dreger was asked if the Maple Leafs would be interested in Shattenkirk, and if they’d consider going seven-years at $49 million.
“That’s the big question, is the money,” considered Dreger. “You’re bang-on in terms of what it’s likely going to take. 7X7 seems to be the popular figure.
“He’s a New York guy, and the rumor around Kevin Shattenkirk as a pending unrestricted free agent is that he has always preferred to play – not in the U.S., not a slight against the Canadian teams – but on the Eastern seaboard. So Boston makes some sense. Maybe Philadelphia. What are the New York Rangers going to do. The Rangers are definitely in the market for a Top 4 defenseman as well. Lots of teams looking for defense.
“So I’m not suggesting that the Toronto Maple Leafs wouldn’t or shouldn’t be in the running for Shattenkirk, but he’s going to have lots of options.”