On the Toronto Maple Leafs and performance bonuses …
Alan Strachan: It was Lou Lamoriello’s philosophy to not give out performance bonuses, not the Toronto Maple Leafs. Lamoriello got overruled with Auston Matthews – Lou doesn’t shift voluntarily.
Alan Strachan: The Maple Leafs are one of the front-runners for Jimmy Vesey, and he wouldn’t sign with them without getting performance bonuses. He still may not sign with them. Giving out performance bonuses had to be done if they wanted any chance of signing Vesey.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Matthew Sekeres: Hearing that the Sabres willingness to trade Evander Kane could depend on whether they are able to sign Jimmy Vesey.
On the Colorado Avalanche …
Ryan Kennedy: The CHL rights to Avs first round pick Tyson Jost have been traded to Regina, but have been informed that there is a zero chance he goes there. He’s committed to North Dakota.
On the New York Islanders …
Jim Baumbach of Newsday: New York Islanders ownership are talking with New York state officials about the possibility of building a new arena at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY. Sources saying they’ve met with the New York Racing Association several times in a the past few months.
“NYRA is courting the Islanders,” said one source briefed on the talks. “This is a wonderful opportunity to bring the Islanders back home.”
Another source said that talks are in the early stages and that the Islanders are exploring all options.
Multiple sources have said that the Islanders and Barclays Center have opt-out clauses in their lease agreement.
Chris Botta: “Islanders want their own home, a better one, closer to roots. Good on new owners for exploring.”
B.D. Gallof: “Until this leads to an actual action, this remains just noise in owners looking at all options and their growing pains with Barclays”