31 Thoughts rumor roundup
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Minnesota Wild aren’t thrilled that Phil Kessel nixed a trade to Minnesota. Kessel knows he’s going to be traded, so it’s going to be on his terms. He has an eight-team trade list. The Arizona Coyotes could be high on his list but it’s not an easy fit.
Two deals involving Wild’s Jason Zucker have fallen through.
Justin Williams will be given time to decide if he wants to play next year or retire – it will be with the Caroline Hurricanes or retirement.
There had been some in-season talk that Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce may force a trade. GM Don Waddell confirmed the talk but added that it’s no longer an issue.
Hurricanes defenseman Haydn Fleury is no longer waiver eligible and could be moved.
There has been little to no contract talk between the San Jose Sharks and Joe Pavelski. Joe Thornton will get some time to decide on his playing future.
Talk is the Sharks still hope to be able to re-sign defenseman Erik Karlsson. Karlsson is curious about what free agency would bring. It’s believed he’d like to see if Tampa Bay could work something out.
Potential assistant coaching candidates in Edmonton – Jim Playfair and Mark Lamb.
Believe the Senators will look at bringing Jason Spezza back.
The Toronto Maple Leafs need to hire another assistant coach. Two options they could look at are Bob Boughner and Jay McKee.
The Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers, and Chicago Blackhawks are among the teams looking at pending UFA center Kevin Hayes.
The Vegas Golden Knights will look to move David Clarkson‘s salary cap hit ($5.25 million but a $3.25 million salary). They are also expected to move a defenseman.
The Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets and Maple Leafs showed some interested in KHLer Sergei Andronov. He told teams he’s staying in Russia next season.