On the St. Louis Blues …
Mike Zeisberger of NHL.com: Blues GM Doug Armstrong has been given the go-ahead financially by ownership to find a top center in free agency or via trade.
John Tavares is the obvious top center on the free agent market, with Joe Thornton, Paul Stastny, and Tyler Bozak as the next tier.
Armstrong on if they’ll be active in free agency and/or the trade market.
“Yes. We’re back to where we have assets. We have a late first-round pick this year (No. 26) that we could use to get a player to help us win now. A lot changes between the combine and June 25, when you can start talking to players as free agents. There are a slight group of players there that we would have interest in if they do hit free agency.”
When asked if there was a position they’d like to address, Armstrong notes that they traded Paul Stastny at the deadline. They have Brayden Schenn, and that 19-year old Robert Thomas might not be ready for second line duty just yet. Other players that have played center include Alex Steen, Robby Fabbri and Jaden Schwartz.
“But I would say center ice would be an area we’d look to do something in. But like we are at the Draft, in free agency we’re always looking at good players.”
On Scott Hartnell …
Adam Vingan of The Tennessean: The Nashville Predators have already let veteran Scott Hartnell that they are not interested in re-signing him.
“There’s no secret I’m at the twilight of my career,” said Hartnell, 36. “If my career was over this past season, I’ve got so much to look forward to. I’ve got no complaints (about) the way my career has (gone).”
Hartnell wasn’t surprised that the Predators weren’t interested in re-signing him given the number of young players they have on one-way deals.
He knows that his NHL playing career could be over, and if he’s not given another opportunity, Hartnell is okay with it.
“If there’s a call in July and it’s the right opportunity and the right fit for me and my family, I think we’ll take that if I am comfortable with the role I want to play,” Hartnell said. “But if it doesn’t come to that and it doesn’t turn into anything, I’m ready to move on, too. I have lots to look (forward to) here in my after-hockey-playing years.”