On the Nashville Predators …
Adam Vingan of the Tennessean: The Predators should have a decision on UFA backup goalie Carter Hutton soon.
“I think we’re getting close to having to make a decision,” Predators general manager David Poile said Tuesday. “We need to put our best foot forward in terms of what we can or can’t offer him. If that’s good for him, then we’re all set. If not then we need to be prepared to go in a different direction.”
Predators GM David Poile would rather trade Eric Nystrom (one-year left at $3 million) than buy him out. A decision on that front should be happening soon as well.
“It has to happen pretty soon,” Poile said. “The buyout period starts 48 hours after the Stanley Cup playoffs, and I want to be in position to know whether we can trade him or whether we’d keep him or whether we’d buy him out. We’re about a week away from needing to make one of those three decisions.”
Adam Vingan: The Predators interviewed 71 prospects at the draft combine.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: There is no update on Steven Stamkos contract negotiations according to GM Steve Yzerman.
“Our goal is to keep Stammer in Tampa and make it work,” he said. “That’s our plan.”
On Steven Stamkos …
Kevin Allen of USA Today: Looking at six teams that could be the best options for Steven Stamkos.
Toronto Maple Leafs – A Stamkos-Auston Matthews combo down the middle? Might take $11 million a season because of the taxes.
Buffalo Sabres – A team on the rise and not that far from Toronto.
Detroit Red Wings – Can they create the cap space to make a run at Stamkos?
Tampa Bay Lightning – The Lightning are the only team that can offer him eight years, but likely can’t offer him as much per season as other teams. They could trade Ben Bishop and Valtteri Filppula this offseason to create more cap space.
New York Islanders – Could replace Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen with Stamkos. John Tavares and Steven Stamkos down the middle would be nice.
Montreal Canadiens – Exactly the type of offense the Canadiens need, but they’d need to move some salary to get it done.
