On the Anaheim Ducks …
Blake Price: Pierre Mcguire said on TSN 1040 that the Ducks are in trade talks with a team from the Eastern Conference that would see the Ducks move a significant contract, creating room for them to re-sign their restricted free agents.
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks are hoping to sign Rickard Rakell to less than the six-year, $24 million deal he’s looking for. Rakell is a couple weeks away from getting back into shape as he just started working out again. Rakell’s agent Peter Wallen said in an email: “Back negotiating,” Wallen said. “More frequently now.”
Eric Stephens: Have heard that the Ducks and Rakell have had ongoing dialogue.
On the Colorado Avalanche …
Mike Chambers: From what have heard from coach Jared Bedner, the Avalanche will likely sign PTOs Gabriel Bourque and Rene Bouque.
On the Buffalo Sabres and Rasmus Ristolainen …
AP on ESPN: Buffalo Sabres GM Tim Murray said they are still negotiating with RFA Rasmus Ristolainen. Ristolainen is skating with the team, but won’t play in any games and won’t be talking to reporters.
AP in the Ottawa Sun: Muray doesn’t think that Ristolainen being in camp will effect negotiations.
“No,” Murray told The Associated Press while breaking into a laugh on Friday. “Unless you ask him that when he got here that he got all lovey-dovey and wants to play for what we want to pay him.”
Murray wouldn’t say how negotiations are going. He was surprised when Ristolainen asked if he could practice with the team.
“I think it shows a lot from both the player that he wants to be here practicing with his team, and it shows a lot from us, a lot from Tim, that we want him here as well,” Bylsma said. “The contract will take care of itself.”
