Senators gauging ownership interest?
Chris Johnston of Sportsnet: It’s believed that Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk turned down a $400 million offer. There is some behind the scene talk about gauging some interest in potential ownership groups. Could Melnyk get an offer that he can’t refuse?
Devils looking to improve but being patient
Abbey Mastracco of North Jersey: The New Jersey Devils continue to fall in the standings but don’t expect the Devils to suddenly fire their coach in hopes of turning things around.
Devils GM Ray Shero is actively looking for any short- or long-term deals that could improve the team. The Devils are likely more than one or two moves away from being a contending team.
Shero isn’t interested in handing out any costly long-term free agent deals.
“I’ll deviate from the plan at the right time for the right reasons. Absolutely,” Shero said. “I didn’t promise this was going to be without some bumps. That’s part of a rebuild.”
Do the Red Wings move Howard or look to extend him?
Scott Burnside of The Athletic: Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard is in the final year of his six-year contract.
Do the Red Wings look to re-sign him or do they move him at the deadline for draft picks or prospects? There are a number of teams that will be looking for help in net.
The Wings could trade Howard at the deadline and then re-sign after July 1st.
“It’s the reality of sports. And it’s the reality of the profession that we’re in that this stuff happens,” he said of the trade talk. “I haven’t been thinking about it. Very, very happy where I am. My family’s very happy to be in Detroit. So hopefully we get to stay here.
“I’ve been around for so long, been through several contract negotiations. It really doesn’t faze me, really, anymore like I was when I was younger. I think now it’s just. I’m sort of just enjoying it knowing that I’m getting up there in age and how young this game has really become; I’m really honestly just trying to enjoy every single moment of it.”