On the Florida Panthers …
Harvey Fialkov of the Sun-Sentinel: Aside from re-signing Vincent Trocheck, Reilly Smith and maybe Brian Campbell, the Panthers should have enough cap space to go after an upper-tier defenseman like Jason Demers, Jacob Trouba or Kevin Shattenkirk.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline: Have been told that the Blue Jackets have received at least two trade offers for the No. 3 pick. Both of the offers were legit, but not enough GM Jarmo Kekalainen to make the move.
On the Goalie Equipment …
Renaud Lavoie: Goaltenders will be wearing adjusted pants next year. They are still deciding on the upper body equipment. It is an ongoing process, and the NHLPA and NHL are hoping the new upper body equipment will be ready for next season.
On the Anaheim Ducks …
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks GM Bob Murray said he would take his time when hiring their next coach. There is the sense though that they could name a new head coach soon, possibly next week. Options could include Randy Carlyle, Paul MacLean, Trent Yawney, Mike Yeo and Luke Richardson. Dale Hunter doesn’t want to leave London of the OHL.
“You cannot do what the old guys did in the old days,” Murray said in April. “I don’t think you can and I even think some of those that are older that are still coaching in this league that are good have changed their ways somewhat to deal with the new modern athlete.
“There’s a bunch of guys out there. This is a huge, huge choice for us and we’re going to take our time. Do our homework.”
On the Calgary Flames …
Eric Francis of Post Media: Brian Burke said that Flames have shortened their coaching list, but they may not name a new coach by the draft.
“We haven’t made a decision but we’re down to a short list,” said the Flames president of hockey operations Thursday, while toting a shotgun used to shoot clay pigeons south of the city at his Targets For Kids fundraiser for KidSport Calgary.
“You’d like him in place sooner rather than later because we have a development camp (in early July) and you’d like him to look at the young players. But as far as being in place before the draft — that’d be nice but it’s not a top priority.”
