On the Buffalo Sabres …
WGR 550: Sabres GM Jason Botterill: “we’re talking to teams about trading for a goalie, but we’re also looking ahead to next week with free agency.”
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Darren Dreger: Sounding like the Hurricanes are getting closer to trading forward Jeff Skinner, with three teams being involved at this part of the trade discussions.
Luke DeCock: “My understanding is there are Skinner conversations happening but not quite as far along as this indicates. Doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen today.”
On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Jay Zawaski: Bob McKenzie reports that the Blackhawks have some interest in Captials backup goaltender Philipp Grubauer. It would likely take a first-round pick to get him. Would the No. 27 pick be enough? It also raises the question about Cory Crawford’s status.
On the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames …
Jim Matheson: “Would Calgary and Edmonton ever deal, like with Flames’ offensive right-shot D Dougie Hamilton for the 10th pick and a young forward? Peter Chiarelli wanted Hamilton before but Boston traded him to Calgary.”
On the New York Rangers …
Larry Brooks: The Rangers don’t have any interest in Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton. Travis Hamonic could be available. The Flames have not made Adam Fox available.
Larry Brooks: Have been told that Ilya Kovalchuk is still eying the Rangers.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Ken Warren: Marian Gaborik‘s agent Ron Salcer said he’s heard nothing about the Senators possibly buying his client out.
On the San Jose Sharks …
Chris Johnston: The Sharks have put defenseman Paul Martin on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.
Paul Gackle: The Sharks confirm that Martin’s buyout will free up $3.216 million next season.
On the St. Louis Blues …
Jeremy Rutherford: The Blues trading for Artemi Panarin is unlikely. The only way that a potential trade would work is if they’d work out an extension, but that is doubtful for the same reasons that he’s not re-signing with the Blue Jackets.
Pierre LeBrun: The Blues and pending RFA Nikita Soshnikov are working on a one-year contract. There had been some talk that he might return to the KHL.