On the Ottawa Senators …
Bruce Garrioch: Forward Kyle Turris wouldn’t comment on his pending free agency after this season. Focusing on hockey and leaving the talks up to his agent.
Don Brennan: Turris said that he hasn’t requested a trade.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Luke Fox: Coach Mike Babcock after trading for goaltender Calvin Pickard: “Maybe someone’s looking for an American Hockey League goalie, and we’ll get that done as well.”
On the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Detroit Red Wings, Winnipeg Jets and New York Islanders …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Avalanche have held Matt Duchene trade talks with as many as eight teams including the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins. Avs GM Joe Sakic won’t back down from his ask of a top defenseman, a top prospect, and a draft pick.
Connor McDavid signed for eight years and $100 million and Jack Eichel for eight years and $80 million. The Toronto Maple Leafs will be able to extend Auston Matthews on July 1st, and the same with the Winnipeg Jets and Patrik Laine. It’s unlikely either will go with a bridge deal.
James Neal will likely be a good trade chip for the Vegas Golden Knights at the trade deadline.
Andreas Athanasiou is looking for $2.5 million, with the Detroit Red Wings offering $1.9 million on a two-year contract. Whenever they get a deal signed, the Red Wings will have to move someone, with pending free agent center Riley Sheahan a likely candidate.
Even though Paul Maurice received a contract extension (along with GM Kevin Cheveldayoff), it doesn’t mean he’ll be given a free pass.
New York Islanders defenseman Calvin de Haan will free agent after the season, and if the Islanders are out of the playoff race, he could be made available at the trade deadline.