Maple Leafs coaches Smith and Keefe
Mike Johnston of Sportsnet: Nick Kypreos said that Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach D.J. Smith could get some interest from teams this offseason, including the Ottawa Senators.
“Many believe D.J. Smith had the job with the New York Islanders until Barry Trotz became available,” Kypreos said before adding that the Ottawa Senators could be one of the teams interested.
Mike Johnston of Sportsnet: The Maple Leafs are expected to extend AHL head coach Sheldon Keefe but it wouldn’t keep him for an NHL gig.
“It’s safe to say he would be one of the AHL’s highest-paid coaches in history but it’s a contract that wouldn’t keep him from getting a job in the National Hockey League should teams come knocking,” Kypreos said Saturday during the Headlines segment of Hockey Night in Canada.
Is term or money holding up a Skinner extension?
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Bob McKenzie on TSN 690 said that he doesn’t think that Jeff Skinner will hit the open market this offseason. He’s fit in well with Jack Eichel and is close to Toronto. His production has slowed but he’s still a 40-goal scorer.
“So my guess is he’s going to want a long-term deal, probably with something that begins with a 9 in terms of $9 million-plus. I’m sure the Sabres are looking at it and thinking, ‘Boy, we’d really like to try and do this for no more than 8 – something that begins with an 8, $8 million-plus.’ We’ll see if they can come to an agreement on that before the end of the season, or whether he carries over and goes to market.”
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 590 was asked about the Buffalo Sabres and what could be in for them this offseaon.
“They haven’t gotten a Skinner extension done yet. The closer you get, the more you wonder, ‘Is it going to happen.’ I’ve heard the issue is term. It would seem to make sense in the fact that it’s not done yet. But when you’re going like this you kind of wonder, ‘Is it any guarantee that he’ll be staying.’
