Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Some teams are thinking the salary cap ceiling could be in the $84-$85 million range. Last year Bettman predicted $83 million and it ended up at $81.5 million. The NHLPA could consider a higher escrow percentage as many players took a lower salary next season because of the previous threat of a lockout.
The New York Islanders are looking for a goal scorer.
There are reports that CSKA is trying to sign Islanders goalie prospect Ilya Sorokin to contract extension. If he signed a three-year extension in the KHL, he’d become a NHL UFA when the deal expires.
- Aivis Kalnins: CSKA Moscow has made a long-term contract offer to Sorokin. His contract expires on April 30th, 2020.
Ilya Kovalchuk‘s last bonus is due on December 15th. We’ll see if Kovalchuk and the Kings reach a termination agreement afterward.
St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong on if there has been any progress with pending UFA Alex Pietrangelo:
“We keep those things in-house, and I know it’s a long time until June 30, 2020.”
Not convinced the Toronto Maple Leafs will add a backup goalie as they may not like their current trade options. The Pittsburgh Penguins don’t know how their long-term situation will roll out yet, same with the New York Rangers.
One GM said that Maple Leafs could have easily traded Kasperi Kapanen but they didn’t want too.
The Penguins are testing the trade market for Alex Galchenyuk. The Buffalo Sabres looked at him. Sources shot down the Ottawa Senators potentially being interested.
Believe the Carolina Hurricanes were interested in Dallas Stars RFA defenseman Julius Honka before the December 1st deadline. The Stars are at 48 contracts and wanted draft picks or unsigned prospects.
Wouldn’t be a surprise if former New Jersey Devils coach John Hynes ended up doing something for the Nashville Predators. He was a teammate of now Predators assistant GM Jeff Kealty for three years at Boston University.