On remaining restricted free agents …
Cap Friendly: There are nine restricted free agents that remain unsigned: Johnny Gaudreau, Rasmus Ristolainen, Rickard Rakell, Hampus Lindholm, Jacob Trouba, Tobias Rieder, Nikita Nesterov, Nikita Kucherov and Stefan Elliott.
On the Nashville Predators …
Thomas Willis: Predators GM David Poile said that one or two younger players have a shot at making the team. Kevin Fiala is the best guy down there. The Preds third pairing on the blueline is wide open.
On Las Vegas …
Ken Boehlke of the Sin Bin: Las Vegas owner Bill Foley told the Review Journal that an announcement regarding their team name may happen at the end of October, possibly early November.
“We had a webinar (Thursday) with Adidas and the NHL and we’re still tweaking the logo and the use of the colors. It probably means we’re going to have to push back the big announcement because it’s going to take time to get everything printed on the shirts and hats. The jerseys will take a little longer to produce.”
It was originally thought that a name and logo would be ready for September, which was moved to mid-October last week, and it now looks like a little longer than that.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets and Scott Hartnell …
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Earlier this offseason the Blue Jackets asked winger Scott Hartnell to waive his no-movement clause. Hartnell gave them a “decent-sized list,” according to a Sportsnet report. Hartnell has since retracted his list after a couple of months of waiting.
“I put it to rest with Jarmo,” Hartnell said. “I said I’m coming back and I’m not having this over my head during training camp and the first month of the season. I have a no-move for a reason, and it’s there for me now.
“(Kekalainen) had the opportunity and trade me and things didn’t work out. For myself … mentally it’s hard waking up every morning wondering if you’re going to get the call: ‘Hey, this team is interested.’ It was kind of driving me crazy, so I talked with my agents and we talked. I really love Columbus. I love the guys. I think we can be a great group, and I feel like I can contribute. Why would I mess with my mind? I know what I can do for this team. I plan on being a Blue Jacket for the rest of my career.”
Hartnell has three years left on his deal with cap hit $4.75 million. The Blue Jackets didn’t indicate why they were looking to trade him this offseason.
