On the Nashville Predators and Eeli Tolvanen …
Aivis Kalnins: A Jokerit source said in an email that the team wouldn’t comment on Eeli Tolvanen as “the matter is private.” There isn’t a timeline on when the release will be finalized, but it’s expected to happen at some point this week.
On NCAA free agent Dan Brickley …
Elliotte Friedman: College free agent Dan Brickley will be visiting the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks this week. There are two other teams on his list, but he’s not scheduled to visit them as of yet.
John Hoven: Brickley is expected to meet with the Kings either today or tomorrow. The Kings aren’t playing while he is in town, so he won’t get to witness a game and the atmosphere.
On the Washington Capitals and John Carlson …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Pierre LeBrun on TSN 1260 was talking to the free agent market this offseason. LeBrun notes that Capitals are going to try to re-sign defenseman John Carlson, but they may have cap issues that won’t allow them too.
“You’re talking about a league where you can’t find right-handed defensemen who play in your Top 4 – John Carlson could be headed to July 1. He’s, for my money, the best UFA defenseman to hit the market – if he does – since Ryan Suter years ago. So that’s a pretty big story and one which I don’t think is getting nearly enough attention given his age and what he can bring to your team.”
On a busy offseason …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Pierre LeBrun on TSN 1260 believes it’s going to be a busy offseason.
“But I think at the end of the day between free agency and the number of trades that are coming in June, I think we’re going to absolutely have fireworks. I think it’s going to be a really exciting offseason.”