On the Buffalo Sabres …
Pierre LeBrun: Before they acquired defenseman Nathan Beaulieu, the Sabres were also talking with the Sharks about Mirco Mueller, who was later traded to the Devils.
On the St. Louis Blues …
Andy Strickland: Now that the salary cap ceiling has been set, can expect contract talks between the Blues and Colton Parayko to pick up.
On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Scott Powers: Source saying the Blackhawks and defenseman Ville Pokka are working on a new contract.
On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers UFA forward Jordan Weal‘s agent J.P. Barry said yesterday that he’s spoken with Vegas GM George McPhee about Weal and others.
“I’ve discussed all our free agents with them,” Barry said. “Including Jordan.”
Barry wouldn’t say if an offer was made.
The Flyers and Weal have reportedly agreed on term and are not “far apart” on money.
On the Colorado Avalanche …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Darren Dreger was on TSN 1040 talking about the Colorado Avalanche’s need for a defenseman. GM Joe Sakic know this and is looking for one. They might consider moving the No. 4 pick in the draft for one. They could move down in the draft and acquire one there. They could also hold on to the No. 4 pick and select one of Miro Heiskanen or Cale Makar.
“I still firmly believe that Matt Duchene is going to be traded. If not this week at the draft, then I think he will have a change of address prior to the start of the season. There’s always that connection to the New York Islanders. They want to inject something into their top-six, and Duchene wouldn’t be a bad add with John Tavares. Then you’ve got the Eberle rumors and the Alex Galchenyuk rumors as well.
“But I do know that Sakic and the Colorado Avalanche are most definitely in the market to make some changes.”