On the San Jose Sharks …
Paul Gackle: The Sharks continue to have contract talks with free agent Dylan DeMelo. GM Doug Wilson did say that they are comfortable going forward with Tim Heed, Joakim Ryan and Radim Simek if need be.
Stephen Whyno: GM Wilson on free agent Joe Thornton: “Hopefully we’ll have some news for you pretty shortly”
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Larry Brooks: Maple Leafs winger Matt Martin is in trade demand after his $1.5 million signing bonuses was paid out. His salary cap hit for the next two seasons would be $2.5 million, but he’s only owed $750,000 this year and $1.75 million next year.
On the Washington Capitals …
Isabelle Khurshudyan: Believe the Capitals could use a veteran defenseman for their third pairing next season. Brooks Orpik could be a fit, and they may be open to the idea, but think that they would want to sign him to a deal for more than one season.
On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Sam Carchidi: The Flyers offense and blue line improved yesterday, but they still have a big question with goaltending.
Dave Isaac of the Courier Post: GM Ron Hextall on signing James van Riemsdyk to a five-year deal.
“When you looked at our needs, we needed a left winger, needed size,” Hextall said. “He’s obviously got soft hands and goal scoring is a premium. He was a good fit for us. I think probably the fact that he was here before played into his decision. We couldn’t be more excited to have him.”
The Flyers have about $12 million on salary cap space and they still have some holes that Hextall would like to fill if he wants. Hextall had been thinking he wanted to add a bottom-six center and a veteran defenseman, but he just fill those internally.
On if 2017 first-round pick Morgan Frost could make the team.
“We’ll see,” Hextall said. “He’s got work to do and we’ve got a month or two to go. He’s got to get a lot stronger and he knows that. We know that. We’ll see.