Trade talk around the league picking up
Jimmy Murphy: Trade talk has picked up over the past 48 hours, though nothing appears to be imminent. The Bruins are one of the teams that have checked in on Columbus Blue Jackets Artemi Panarin.
A trade request or not a trade request?
TSN: Max Pacioretty and agent Allan Walsh said that a trade request to the Montreal Canadiens was never made. Canadiens owner Geoff Molson doesn’t agree with Pacioretty and Walsh.
“We’re just going to focus on telling the truth, and that’s that a request was made,” Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said at the team’s annual pre-training camp golf tournament on Monday. “It’s been going on several months now that we’ve been trying to make this happen.
“When the request was made to look at making a trade, we started to actively go after that. And the player and the organization agreed that it was probably in the best interest of Max and the organization to start to look for a trade.”
Not as easy now for the Rangers to take on another big contract
Rick Carpiniello of The Athletic: The New York Rangers acquired Adam McQuaid and his $2.75 million salary cap hit yesterday. The right-handed defenseman could become a future trade asset at the deadline.
The Rangers are left with around $3.576 million in salary cap space. If the Rangers are interested in taking on a big salary to help a team make clear some room – ie. Ryan Callahan‘s $5.8 million if the Lightning and Senators renew Erik Karlsson trade talk – they would need to move out some salary as well.
Sabres and Reinhart continue to work on a deal
Mike Morreale of NHL.com: Forward Sam Reinhart‘s camp and the Buffalo Sabres continue to work on getting a deal done. Sabres GM Jason Botterill views a vital piece of their future.
“You’re always optimistic , and that’s what we’re trying to be right now,” Botterill said. “I think both sides are very complimentary and we’re just trying to find a deal.”
Mike Morreale: Sabres GM Jason Botterill on RFA Sam Reinhart: “I’m excited that Sam’s in town here working out with our guys and being a part of things. We continue our dialogue with his agent and still very hopeful to get a deal done.”