On the New York Rangers …
Andy Graziano: The Rangers may not be finished after the Derick Brassard – Mika Zibanejad trade. Hearing that they are back in on Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.
EJ Hradek: Though it’s possible, don’t see the Rangers trading for Shattenkirk.
On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post: (mailbag) The Flyers have a salary arbitration hearing with Brayden Schenn on July 25th unless they reach an agreement before. Brandon Manning has a hearing scheduled for August 2nd.
Flyers GM Ron Hextall has said he’s scared of term in most cases, but with Schenn he’s trying to keep the salary cap hit down. Guessing they could do a four year deal around $5 million.
It’s not likely that Andrew MacDonald will be bought out. He could be an expansion draft option.
The Flyers probably won’t be trading for a top six forward as it would likely cost the too much.
Isaac thinks the Flyers have as good a shot as anyone at signing soon to be free agent Jimmy Vesey.
Don’t see the Flyers trading Matt Read just to create a lineup spot for a young player, but he could be moved to free up some cap space.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings have been unsuccessful in moving goaltender Jimmy Howard so far this offseason. If they are able to find a taker, they would need to bring in a veteran backup for Petr Mrazek. It does make some sense to keep Howard this season and though $10 million a year on their goaltending is high, it is doable. A team may suffer a goaltending injury and could come calling. Howard can also be exposed in the expansion draft.
On potential trade destinations for RFAs …
Matthew Coller of ESPN: Looking at some remaining RFAs that could be traded, and who should be interested.
Kevin Hayes (NYR) – Minnesota Wild
Mike Hoffman (OTT) – New Jersey
Zemgus Girgensons (BUF) – Anaheim Ducks
Vladislav Namestnikov (TB) – Vancouver Canucks
Nikita Kucherov (TB) – New York Islanders
Valeri Nichushkin (DAL) – Carolina Hurricanes
Jacob Trouba (WPG) – Arizona Coyotes
Matt Dumba (MIN) – New York Rangers
Tyson Barrie (COL) – Edmonton Oilers