On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post: The Flyers have about $11 million in cap space, but still need to re-sign Brayden Schenn and some others.
“You look at it, you’ve got to put your own guys in there first,” Hextall explained. “Brayden’s not in there. You’ve got to box money out for Brayden so (Ryan White) or whoever that is, we’ll get it figured out. If we can add somebody at the right term and right price, we’ll do it.”
The Flyers don’t have a lot room for free agents, and even though they were able to speak with free agents yesterday, GM Ron Hextall hadn’t got there yet.
“This thing’s such a blur to us,” he said. “It’s like every time you turn around you’re trying to trade a pick or whatever you almost lose touch with what’s going on. It didn’t seem like a real busy year, but I think the cap being where it’s at kind of restricts things. Guys aren’t easy to move and teams don’t necessarily want to add too much because a lot of teams can’t afford it.”
The Flyers biggest free agent target could be Jimmy Vesey, who can’t sign until August 15th.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs injured winger Joffrey Lupul hasn’t heard from the Maple Leafs.
“I’m playing the waiting game,” Lupul said Saturday from New York. “I’m trying to get healthy. That’s my focus right now.
“I haven’t heard anything (from the Leafs). I really can’t tell you anything. I’m just playing the waiting game now.”
The Maple Leafs would like to get rid of his salary, but Lupul still wants to play. GM Lou Lamoriello has the ability to twist rules and stretch loopholes.
“It’s frustrating,” Lupul said of his situation and his constant battle with injuries. “I still want to play hockey. I still think I’m a hockey player.”
Best option for James Reimer may now be to look for a backup position behind a so-so starter.
More moves coming …
Damien Cox of Sportsnet: Teams are making moves with the expansion draft in mind, and you can expect more in the upcoming weeks.