On NHL Expansion, the Winnipeg Jets, Quebec City, Steven Stamkos and the New York Islanders …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The biggest issue that may come from expansion draft rules talk is players that have no-movement and no-trade clauses. Many think that players that have no-movement clause can’t be exposed in the draft because they can’t be traded or put on waivers. Players that have only a no-trade clause are subject to waivers, so they may be eligible to be drafted.
Another issue with expansion team is where to they select in the amateur draft.
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff isn’t one to make quick decisions, and it might be a good bet that head coach Paul Maurice remains on as coach.
At the GM meetings, there was no formal talk on limiting the number of times a team can win the draft lottery.
The league may be cooling on the idea of expanding to Quebec City. Some think that Quebec City may be better suited for relocation. The Canadian dollar has been an issue, but it has rebounded a bit.
Steven Stamkos talk won’t stop until he signs a new deal. There have been no meaningful contract talks of late. Some think he could get an eight-year, $10.5 million per season deal. The Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Canucks and Sabres could all be interested.
Word is the Jets and Jacob Trouba aren’t close to a new deal. He might fall into the $4 to $5 million range, but some think he’s wanting more than that. The Islanders will have to act on Travis Hamonic’s trade request at some point. There could be a fit with the Jets.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman on if an expansion draft next year would impact on his plans this offseason and beyond.
“It has to,” Yzerman said.
Though the draft rules haven’t been set, only protecting one goalie could be one of them. With Ben Bishop and Andrei Vasilevskiy, Yzerman will have some big decisions. He may have to trade one of them this offseason or by trade deadline.
“I think we have two fantastic goalies and I’d love to be able to keep them forever,” Yzerman said. “If teams can only protect one goaltender, there’s going to be a lot of teams in position to have to make decisions. We’ll have to make decisions. Ultimately, you have to lose one player, and there’s no guarantee we’d lose (one). But I’m sure they’d be getting long looks if we leave them exposed.”
