On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Chris Johnston of Sportsnet: The Winnipeg Jets signed Nikolaj Ehlers to a seven-year, $42 million contract yesterday. Maple Leafs William Nylander will be an RFA after the season. Before the two teams faced off last night, Nylander had this to say about his pending free agency.
“Well, I’m a guy who just wants to: If we do it, (either) before the season or after,” Nylander told Sportsnet prior to Wednesday’s opener at Bell MTS Place. “We’re just trying to focus on the team, and the way I’m playing during the year.”
Ehlers and Nylander’s numbers were similar last season.
If GM Lou Lamoriello reaches out to Nylander’s agent Lew Gross during the season. Nylander already knows what he’ll tell his agent.
“Yeah, I’ll just tell my agent to not talk to me,” he said.
On Jarome Iginla …
David Pagnotta: Have been told there is nothing new with regards to Jarome Iginla. He’s still waiting for the right opportunity.
On the Colorado Avalanche …
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: The Avalanche could look for another waiver pickup to ‘improve’ their blue line – added Patrik Nemeth from Dallas already. The only way they can really quickly improve their defense is by trading Matt Duchene. Moving Duchene would also eliminate any chemistry concerns.
Duchene hasn’t publically said he wants to be traded, though teammates know he wants out.