On the Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and some college free agents …
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Mike Harrington wrote a couple weeks ago wondering if the Sabres were “tanking” to undermine their coach, Dan Bylsma. Bylsma has three years left on his deal. thinks there could be a divide between their older players and their young ones.
There has been some speculation that Boston University coach, David Quinn, could be a future candidate to coach the Sabres. He was Jack Eichel‘s college coach.
wonders if Ken Hitchcock could land in Dallas in some role.
John Tavares‘ agent, Pat Brisson, was in New York last week meeting with the team. There was some talk that the Islanders were interested in bringing Brisson in as part of their organization last year but he said no. asked Brisson over the weekend and he said again that it won’t happen.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are aggressively going after Vladimir Tkachyov whose season is close to being over. Several teams are interested in Tkachyov.
Many people are thinking the New Jersey Devils will offer defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk a big contract this offseason. wonders if they could target Justin Schultz as well.
The Calgary Flames are thinking about signing 2014 3rd round pick Brandon Hickey. The defenseman has another year of eligibility at Boston University.
The Flames have a top three in Mark Giordano, Dougie Hamilton and T.J. Brodie. GM Brad Treliving:
“We’ll see who that fourth is, whether we bring back Michael Stone or it’s somebody else.”
Flames GM Treliving has indicated that he’d like to bring pending UFA defenseman Deryk Engelland back.
The Vancouver Canucks are one of the teams that could be interested in overage defenseman Darren Raddysh of the Erie Otters.
Union’s Mike Vecchione decision could be made . Teammate Nick DeSimone is close to a decision as well. Teammate Spencer Foo said he won’t be going pro this year, but will take time to decide what he’ll do for next year.