On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post: Flyers GM Ron Hextall on college free agents.
“In the end, college free agents, they typically get the best fit for themselves and typically it’s with an organization that’s a little bit thin,” Hextall said. “Not always.”
The Flyers are deep in goal and on the blueline, but there could be some opportunity for a forward.
Five college free agents the Flyers could be interested in: Mike Vecchione (C), C.J. Smith (LW), Sebastian Vidmar (LW), Alex Iafallo (LW) and Brady Ferguson (C).
Sam Carchidi: If the Flyers decide to go with seven forwards, three defenseman for the expansion draft, figure they will protect Radko Gudas, Shayne Gostisbehere and Brandon Manning.
Sam Carchidi: If the Flyers re-sign Michael Del Zotto cheaply before they have to submit their protected lists, they could protect him over Manning.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
John Vogl: If Sabres protect seven forwards and three defensemem ….
Forwards they could protect are Kyle Okposo (no-movement), Ryan O’Reilly, Evander Kane, Marcus Foligno, Johan Larsson, Tyler Ennis and William Carrier. Exposed for the draft would include Zemgus Girgensons, Matt Moulson, Nicholas Deslauriers and Justin Kea.
On the blueline they could protect Rasmus Ristolainen, Jake McCabe and Zach Bogosian. Exposed for the draft would include Josh Gorges, Justin Falk and Brady Austin.
Bogosian has had injury issues, has been unproductive for the Sabres and he carries a $5.14 million cap hit for another three seasons. Those are reasons to leave him unprotected, but the Sabres have no depth on the blueline.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen: Colin White and Boston College were knocked out of the NCAA playoffs over the weekend. It’s been speculated that White will turn pro, but with the trade deadline acquisitions of Alex Burrows and Viktor Stalberg, it may not be in Ottawa. The Senators could sign White to an amateur tryout and have him play in Binghamton for the rest of their season.