On Steven Stamkos …
Gary Lawless of TSN: Talk surrounding Steven Stamkos won’t stop until he signs somewhere. He’s expected to fully recover from from his blood clot issue, but will it scare some teams away or reduce his price? Likely not. Would Stamkos be okay with signing for eight years and $8 million per year to remain in Tampa? Can he resist the urge to play for his hometown Maple Leafs? The Lightning need a bit of financial flexibility due to the amount of expiring contracts they have in the next two years.
“Our hope is, No. 1, he comes back and plays this year,” Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said Saturday. “And, again, we want Stammer to remain with the Tampa Bay Lightning and we’re hoping at the right time we can make that happen.”
He’s not likely to get $10 million in Tampa.
Michael Augello: As pointed out by Ray Ferraro and Bryan Hayes on Stamkos, due to his blood clots, his next contract may not be insurable which would scare some teams away. It’s something that may not scare the Leafs away – see the trade for Nathan Horton.
On Alexander Radulov …
Aivis Kalnins: Word is that Alexander Radulov has declined his contract renewal with CSKA. Radulov is looking to return the NHL, and to join a contending team.
Aivis Kalnins: Radulov not re-signing doesn’t mean anything with regards to Pavel Datsyuk.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Don’t think that Canucks GM Jim Benning wants to trade goaltender Ryan Miller, though it doesn’t mean it won’t happen.
Miller might have something to say if he thinks that Jacob Markstrom could be getting more time in net. He’s played well of late, and if the Canucks are willing to retain some salary, he does have some trade value.
Miller will likely want to remain on the West Coast – so would the Ducks or Sharks be interested?