What should the Vancouver Canucks target and not target?
Patrick Johnston of The Province: The Vancouver Canucks face some intriguing questions this summer.
One of the biggest targets has to be Colin Miller. Miller brings to the table just what the Canucks need. This includes a nice boost in offense which the Canucks can always use given their special teams’ woes. Can Miller play plus minutes for another team and thrive? Vancouver also must not think about Nikita Zaitsev.
Ryan Callahan — The Tampa Bay forward brings leadership and a tiny bit of offensive and defensive game to the table. He would be part of a deal that involves a sweetener. Keep that in mind.
Mathieu Perreault — Perreault performing at a top-six level for good stretches is not surprising. The surprise is how far he can fall down a depth chart at a moment’s notice. That cannot sit well but for a lower price, he is reasonable.
Projecting the Colorado Avalanche roster
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Joe Sakic expects to be busy this summer for the Colorado Avalanche. He has seven picks in the draft including the 4th and 16th picks.
Also, Colorado has several prospects which make players like Colin Wilson, Gabriel Bourque, Derick Brassard, and even Semyon Varlamov expendable. Varlamov’s injuries finished off what father time could not. Some argue to trade Erik Johnson and that may not be a bad idea.
The key will be what does Colorado extend Mikko Rantanen at as far as AAV. That could have a domino effect. It will also tell how many prospects Colorado will have to play with the big club.
Philipp Grubauer starting in net with Nathan MacKinnon anchoring the offense are locks. After that, the picture becomes a touch murkier.
How Tampa Bay could bolster its blueline?
Joe Smith of The Athletic: Several options exist for Tampa Bay even while they remain in cap hell. Brayden Point will eat up just about any cap space left over. Just watch out for the overpay. Players like TJ Brodie and Jacob Trouba become front an center when a Canadian team is opening the roster up for pennies on the dollar.
Again, the key is how much dollars will Tampa have to shell out initially? If they have any money left over, Tampa will be players this summer.