On Toronto Expansion, Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers …
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: During the Vegas expansion process, a Toronto group created by Pasquale Paletta approached the NHL about another team in the Toronto area. The Paletta’s own land in the Burlington area and are into real estate and construction and could build an arena. Several sources are saying the NHL and Paletta continue to talk about the possibility.
The Ottawa Senators have decisions to make on the futures of Guy Boucher, Matt Duchene, Erik Karlsson and Mark Stone this offseason. GM Pierre Dorion has said he won’t trade Karlsson and will make him an offer on July 1st. Would a team approach the Senators on the notion they have to have Karlsson?
The St. Louis Blues could be aggressive on the trade market.
has been told that it’s unlikely that the Buffalo Sabres trade center Ryan O’Reilly. After his recent comments about not loving the game this year, and the Sabres need to make some changes, wonder if trade rumors will increase.
New York Islanders owner Jon Ledecky appears to be still evaluating if GM Garth Snow and head coach Doug Weight will be back.
The fate of Ken Hitchcock could be known soon. He has signed a one-year deal last offseason. The Stars are expected to be looking for a new backup for Ben Bishop for next season.
If Bill Peters exercises his out clause in Carolina, their AHL coach in Charlotte, Mike Vellucci, could be their replacement. Vellucci has also been rumored as a possible GM candidate as well. Owner Tom Dundon is a fan of Rod Brind’Amour.
Rumor has former Canucks assistant GM Laurence Gilman meeting with Dundon in the last couple weeks.
Rumors that Hurricanes 2016 third-round pick Hudson Elynuik won’t be signing with them and will re-enter the draft.
Potential candidates for the New York Rangers vacant coaching position include Tony Granato, Sheldon Keefe, Jim Montgomery and Pascal Vincent.
Willie Desjardins may be looking for another NHL coaching opportunity.