On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Josh Yohe of DK Pittsburgh Sports: The Penguins would like to re-sign Matt Cullen and Justin Schultz, with GM Jim Rutherford saying last week that it’s still a possibility.
Aivis Kalnins: Kael Mouillierat is having contract talks with Dinamo of the KHL.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Gregg Krupa of the Detroit News: Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill likes the moves they’ve made, and he wonders if they can continue to add to their roster.
“We’d like to try to continue to get better if we can. I know Ken (Holland) would like to and I would like to, but can you?
“Just making a move doesn’t make you better, and there are very few out there that can make you better. And so I think you have to be careful to make sure when you make a move it actually helps you, just like on July 1st (the start of free agency) you better be careful that who you sign actually helps you.”
Dana Wakiji of DetroitRedWings.com: Though they could trade some of their forwards for a defenseman, Blashill isn’t counting on it.
“That part, it’s hard to do for sure in the league,” Blashill said. “There isn’t lots of trades. I just would say this, I think it’s always important to have more good players at any position. We’ve got lots of real good players at the forward position. We’ll see how the rest of the summer shakes out.”
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: The performance bonus structure is likely why the Maple Leafs haven’t signed Auston Matthews yet.
“There is nothing to talk about with reference to Auston’s contract until it’s done,” repeated Lamoriello, a highly secretive negotiator. “We’re certainly talking to his representative. I don’t think this is something that’s going to take long. I have total confidence that he’ll be under contract.”
Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: With the Maple Leafs trading Jonathan Bernier and his $4.1 million cap hit to the Ducks, if gives the Leafs some much needed cap space. Jared Cowen is disputing his buyout and it will go arbitration. They need to bring in a backup, with Anders Lindback and Jhonas Enroth potentially being the right age and price. Some of the added cap space will go towards the bonuses that Matthews is expected to earn this year.
