On the Buyout Window …
Chris Johnston: The first buyout window is open. There had been some speculation that the Dallas Stars could buyout forward Jason Spezza, but the Stars won’t do that and he’ll play out the final year of his deal.
Paul Hamilton: Buffalo Sabres GM said that he doesn’t see them buying anyone out during the buyout window. He added that that can also change, but the thinking is they don’t want any extra cap hits beyond this year.
On the St. Louis Blues …
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues and pending UFA goaltender Carter Hutton continue to have contract talks. Hutton has made it known that he wants to see what his free agent options could be, and GM Doug Armstrong doesn’t blame him.
“He wants to maximize that and I certainly respect that. At the end of the day, he’s a businessman that has to do what’s best for his family.”
Armstrong said they’d like to have him return next season and “we’ve talked contract and talked concepts.”
The Blues have also talked extension with pending UFA Kyle Brodziak. They are most likely interested in signing the 34-year old to a one-year deal.
Scottie Upshall was told to speak with other teams, though he could be a late offseason re-signing.
RFAs Joel Edmundson, Robby Fabbri, Dmitrij Jaskin, Jordan Schmaltz, Nikita Soshnikov and Oskar Sundqvist will receive qualifying offers next week.
The Blues confirm their interest in Ilya Kovalchuk.
“Always looking to improve our team,” Armstrong said. “We’re like all teams. He’s 35 years old, there’s risk involved with players of that age. But he could be Jaromir Jagr. He could start slowing down at 41. Or he could come back and hit the wall. You never know.
“But there’s certainly intrigue there because he’s been such a dominant player internationally and he was a helluva player when he left (the NHL).”
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