Pavelski in Tampa?
@Prospects_Watch: Pierre McGuire: “There’s a real chance Joe Pavelski ends up in Tampa Bay. It’s an opportunity for him to play with his best friend Ryan McDonagh, both played at Wisconsin.”
Flames among teams interested in Maroon
Andy Strickland: St. Louis Blues pending UFA Patrick Maroon is getting some decent interest. Team like his size and what he brings in the playoffs.
Ryan Rishaug: Sounding like the Calgary Flames are among the teams interested in Maroon.
Flyers and RFA Provorov not close
Frank Seravalli: It’s not sounding like the Philadelphia Flyers and RFA defenseman Ivan Provorov are close on a deal. Get the sense that Provorov will be letting the market develop before signing.
Free agents the Sabres could be interested in
Lance Lysowski of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres could still use a top-six forward, but it’s unlikely they would sign one of the top UFAs to a big, long-termed deal.
The Sabres will still be interested in some of the free agents that could be available come July 1st.
Those could include:
Anders Lee – Still likely too much.
Joonas Donskoi – Numerous teams could be interested, which lessens the Sabres chances.
Brett Connolly – Could use a right winger to play with Eichel if they don’t have to overpay on a long-term deal.
Marcus Johansson – Will likely be getting a big deal due to his playoff play.
Jason Pominville – A likely fallback option on a one-year deal.
Derick Brassard – Didn’t have a great year and could bounce back on a cheap, short-term deal.
Derrick Pouliot – GM Jason Botterill was with the Penguins as an assistant GM when he was drafted in 2012. Could be a buy-low option if they trade Marco Scandella.
Brandon Tanev – Plays a heavy, defensive game in a bottom six.
Ryan Hartman – The Sabres fourth line could use a pest. Was a 19 goal scorer two years ago.
Tom Kuhnhackl – Played for the Penguins when Botterill was with the team. Penalty killer that can play up and down the lineup.
Maxime Lagace – Sabres are looking for a No.3 goalie who could split time in the NHL/AHL if needed.