On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: (interview with Mitch Marner) Marner will be restricted free agent after next season but is eligible for an extension after July 1st. When asked if he’s ready for all the stuff that goes along with contract talks, especially if an extension doesn’t get done this offseason.
“Nothing has been said yet, but nothing you can do. If nothing happens, you still have a year to play under your rookie contract. Just go out there and try to prove you can make the team better.”
On the New York Islanders …
Andy Graziano of WFan Sports Radio: The Islanders have the No. 11 and No. 12 picks in the first-round of the draft on Friday. There will be teams looking to move up and down in the first-round, so there should be plenty of options for the Islanders.
The Islanders only have four defensemen with NHL experience on their roster and one goaltender.
John Tavares is obviously the Islanders biggest priority, and has the odds of him re-signing at 70 percent. Since he’s gone this far without a deal, it would be silly of Tavares to not talk to teams.
Among the teams likely wanting to speak with Tavares include the Vegas Golden Knights, Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, and New Jersey Devils.
If the Islanders find out that he won’t re-sign, they can hope for at least a sign-and-trade so they can get some assets back.
Don’t expect the Islanders to be heavily in the weak free agent market for defensemen. They shouldn’t be involved in the John Carlson bidding war. The safest route may be re-signing Calvin de Haan.
In net, the Islanders could see if Jaroslav Halak would take a discount. Washington Capitals backup Philipp Grubauer is now said to be available. The Isles could see if the New Jersey Devils would open to the idea of trading 32-year old Cory Schneider.