On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Sam Donnellon of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers GM Ron Hextall denied having interest in unrestricted free agent defenseman Andrei Markov.
“Don’t believe everything you read or hear,’’ Hextall said, addressing Monday’s report from a Montreal radio station. “I haven’t talked to Andrei Markov.’’
Markov is reportedly looking for a two-year deal at around $6 million per season.
The 38-year old has played his entire 16-year career with the Montreal Canadiens.
Hextall won’t bring in a veteran short-term fix that might block on of their young guys.
“I said with Jagr the other day that was just not a direction we were going,’’ Hextall said during a brief question and answer session in Voorhees. “In saying that, I do anticipate bringing in a defenseman into training camp on a tryout in case our kids aren’t ready.
“But there’s a point where you have to jump in with your younger players. And if we’re not there, we’re close.’’
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Alec Brownscombe of Maple Leafs Hot Stove: Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello on their search for a defenseman and how urgent it is.
“Right now, I’m extremely happy with where the team is at. We have depth. We do not have to do anything immediately, and we’re happy with the defence we have right now. You don’t just do something for the sake of doing it or keep pressing to do it. If there is an opportunity to get better – whether it’s yesterday, today or tomorrow – you do that. It’s not a case of dangling out because you have this. It’s a case of doing what’s right for the team, and if the opportunity comes about, you do it. But you don’t press it. It still takes two to make any decision that comes with reference to trades.”
