Scouting the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins
David Pagnotta: Scouts listed to attend last night’s Maple Leafs-Penguins game: Carolina Hurricanes (2), St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Arizona Coyotes, and the Florida Panthers.
Boyle hoping to stay with the Devils
Frank Seravalli: Cory Masisak reported that Brian Boyle prefers to remain with the New Jersey Devils. Boyle has an eight-team no-trade list. There has been some recent talk about him.
Zero chance the Devils move Hall this year
Mike Johnston of Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman noted there had been some talk that the New Jersey Devils could consider moving Taylor Hall who has a year left on his deal before becoming an unrestricted free agent. The sides are eligible to sign an extension after July 1st.
“One of the rumblings was maybe New Jersey might think of trading Taylor Hall now as opposed to waiting until the summer,” Friedman said.
Devils GM Ray Shero told Friedman that there is “zero chance” that the Devils trade Hall this season.
Oilers haven’t interviewed any GM candidates
Mike Johnston of Sportsnet: The Edmonton Oilers haven’t interviewed anyone for their open general manager’s position according to Chris Johnston.
“Part of that is procedural,” Johnston explained Saturday during the Headlines segment of Hockey Night in Canada. “It’s during the season and some of the best candidates — someone like Kelly McCrimmon, the assistant GM of the Vegas Golden Knights — would not be able to speak at this time, but another strong candidate in Mark Hunter would be and they still have not yet progressed with talks there.”
Johnston adds it could be months before they hire someone.
Will the Oilers look to extended Chiasson?
Ryan Rishaug: The Oilers had brought forward Alex Chiasson in on a PTO and it will be interesting to see what they do with him. They badly need to wingers that can score. If they remain in the playoff race they can use him as their own rental, and maybe a contract extension could be worked out. Haven’t heard if there have been any contract talks yet.