On John Tavares, James van Riemsdyk, Logan Couture, Steve Mason, Paul Stastny, Jack Johnson, Cam Ward and Ryan O’Reilly …
TSN Insider Trading: Darren Dreger said a John Tavares decision will be made on July 1st or before it. The in-person presentations have been exhausting. It’s not going to be an easy decision, and he’ll need some time to absorb everything.
Bob McKenzie: The John Tavares sweepstakes is complicating James van Riemsdyk’s situation a little bit. 10 or 12 have inquired about JvR, and at least a couple of them are in on Tavares – the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins amongst others. Some of the teams may be getting a little antsy as they may have been hoping to get a bit of commitment before July 1st. He’s not ready to make any decisions yet.
Pierre LeBrun saying that on Sunday or Monday the San Jose Sharks forward Logan Couture is expected to sign an eight-year contract extension. Last year GM Doug Wilson signed Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Martin Jones to eight-year extensions.
Darren Dreger: Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Chevelday off is looking at his trade options to create some salary cap space to possibly re-sign Paul Stastny. Goaltender Steve Mason could be one option, and there has been some dialogue. Mason has a year left at $4.1 million.
Bob McKenzie: Defenseman Jack Johnson has been tied to the Penguins after they cleared out $5 million in sending Conor Sheary and Matt Hunwick to the Sabres.
Pierre LeBrun: Cam Ward will very likely end up in Chicago on July 1st on a one-year deal.
Chris Nichols of FRS Hockey: Pierre LeBrun was on TSN and said that Buffalo Sabres forward Ryan O’Reilly remains an option for the Montreal Canadiens. Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin told Sabres GM Jason Botterill that the No. 3 pick was a non-starter. The Canadiens tried acquiring another first-round pick but weren’t able too.
“And where it’s interesting to me, I think the St. Louis Blues are probably the front-runner right now for Ryan O’Reilly. But the Blues, like a few other teams I think, wouldn’t mind waiting until July 2 after the Buffalo Sabres pay a $7.5 million signing bonus to Ryan O’Reilly.
“The Habs, on the other hand, I think this is the small edge they might have if they decide to go forward on O’Reilly – they don’t mind paying that bonus.”
LeBrun believes the Canadiens might have the advantage until the 30th.