On the Ottawa Senators …
Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have shown that they have lacked true grit in past years, and more recently in Games 3 and 4. Chris Neil was added for Game 5, replacing Ryan Dzingel.
notes “Without Neil’s presence and protection in Game 5, the Senators would have been flying to their funeral on Sunday.”
If they don’t re-sign the 38-year old Neil for next season, one of GM Pierre Dorion’s top priorities this offseason is to find someone that bring true grit.
Tanner Glass could be an affordable option, he’s tough and can skate.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning have some tough decisions to make with regards to the expansion draft. There is some thought that they may have to leave Vladislav Namestnikov exposed, and that he’d likely be selected by the Golden Knights.
Ryan Callahan has a no-movement clause and is required to be protected. No indication if they’ve asked him to waive it. Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson, Jonathan Drouin are locks to be protected. They could choose to protect Alex Killorn with their last forward spot, therefore exposing Namestnikov.
GM Steve Yzerman on if they have decided on who they plan on protecting.
“We’re not there yet,” Yzerman said.
Yzerman added they have plenty of time before their lists need to be submitted. A lot can happen between now and then. Trades can happen or the Lightning could ask Callahan to waive his no-movement clause, allowing the Lightning to protect both Killorn and Namestnikov.
Namestnikov when asked about the expansion draft.
“It will depend on many factors,” Namestnikov said. “The NHL expansion draft is in two months. No one knows what might happen. Many players are to be re-signed. So it’ll be difficult to make predictions.”
On the blueline Victor Hedman and Anton Stralman are locks. One of Jake Dotchin, Slater Koekkoek, Jason Garrison and Braydon Coburn will likely be protected.