Who is the front-runner for the Philadelphia Flyers GM position?
TSN: Pierre LeBrun: Have been told that the Flyers have got their list down to four main candidates and includes Chuck Fletcher. Dean Lombardi is not a GM candidate. Lombardi was an advisor to Ron Hextall and was asked and accepted to help out with the GM search and remain with the organization after the new GM is hired.
Darren Dreger: With experience being a likely requirement, Chuck Fletcher is the front-runner. If not Fletcher, they may consider Mark Hunter.
Bob McKenzie: Other candidates could include Chris Drury and Mike Futa.
Blues and their goaltending situation
TSN: Dreger notes that St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong needs to upgrade in net. Sources are saying that the Blues have been paying attention to Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard. The Blues were at the Red Wings game on Monday.
“Now to acquire Jimmy Howard, it’s going to come at a considerable cost. Is St. Louis willing to part with the assets? They don’t have a first-round pick in the 2019 NHL draft; are they willing to give up a prized prospect like Kyrou or Thomas? There’s some options that St. Louis might consider but if it’s Jimmy Howard, it’s going to come at considerable expense.”
Alzner clears waivers and has been sent to the AHL
TSN: The Montreal Canadiens have sent defenseman Karl Alzner to the AHL after he cleared waivers. LeBurn says that Alzner’s agent has permission to speak with other teams about possibly finding Alzner a new team.
“What’s happening is agent JP Barry is working with Habs GM Marc Bergevin to possibly find him a new home. It won’t be easy with that contract but perhaps the Habs can eat some of it or take a contract back, or the Habs trade another defenceman and make room again for Alzner. Either way, JP Barry has clearance to speak directly to other teams.”