On the Detroit Red Wings …
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings might leave forward Riley Sheahan unprotected for the expansion. He has a $2.1 million cap hit and there was some interest in him at the trade deadline. The Wings could try to package him before the draft.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
David Pagnotta: There is some talk that the Sabres could be looking at it’s goaltending options. Robin Lehner is a restricted free agent.
On Nikita Nesterov …
Dan Milstein: Rumors that Nikita Nesterov signed with Traktor of the KHL are “absolutely false.” Nesterov is hoping to play in the NHL.
On the Anhaeim Ducks and Sami Vatanen …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman on the NHL Network talking about the Anaheim Ducks and their blueline. Friedman thinks the Ducks are going to protect Hampus Lindholm, Cam Fowler and Josh Manson and they are going to trade Sami Vatanen. Vatanen surgery and rehab will keep him out until November, maybe December.
“I think Toronto is around this. I think New Jersey is around this. New Jersey really wants defense. They really need defense badly. I just don’t know if New Jersey is going to have what it takes to make this deal. I think Toronto has what it takes to make this deal.
“But I think teams in this league – I could even see a team like Dallas being around this. I think Dallas has an ability to make this deal. If you’re Dallas, are you offering the No. 3 pick for Sami Vatanen, and is that enough for Anaheim or do they want more.
“I think there are a couple of teams like Toronto and Dallas who do have the ability to make this trade.”
Friedman also added that there is talk that the Ducks and Cam Fowler could be getting close on an extension and that his cap hit will probably start “with a 6.”