On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports: Contract talks between the Coyotes and Tobias Rieder‘s camp continue, but it doesn’t appear they are close.
Source saying Rieder is now looking for a two-year deal with a cap hit $2.75 million, but the Coyotes are not interested. Rieder’s camp has also brought up a three-year deal with a $2.75 million cap hit and four-year deal with a $3 million cap hit.
Source added that Rieder’s camp didn’t ask the Coyotes for a deal similar to Nazem Kadri‘s $4.5 million AAV.
The Coyotes are wanting to sign Rieder to a two-year deal between $2 and $2.3 million per season or closer $2.5 million on a three-year deal.
Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: It’s a little crowded on the Coyotes blueline with possibly 11 defensemen looking to make the roster.
“It’s a bit of a logjam right now perhaps,” General Manager John Chayka said. “But at the same time, we’re confident. Obviously Michael Stone’s injured to start the year, so that kind of creates a little more flexibility there. But if there is a move that helps everyone and creates some flexibility for us, that’s what we’re evaluating right now.”
Their top four will consist of Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Alex Goligoski, Connor Murphy and Michael Stone when he’s healthy.
Tobias Rieder is still without a contract and even though there is more than a month to the start of training camp, Rieder’s is considering the KHL.
“It’s just status quo,” said Darren Ferris, Rieder’s agent. “There’s been no discussions at this point that have made any meaningful change in anyone’s position.”
On Antoine Vermette …
Craig Morgan: Source saying multiple teams have inquired about free agent Antoine Vermette.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
TSN Radio Vancouver: Vancouver Province writer Ben Kuzma isn’t sure if Antoine Vermette is a fit with the Canucks. The Canucks would like to a add a winger, though it probably won’t happen soon.