On the Vancouver Canucks …
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks have been trying to add another impact forward.
“If I had a crystal ball, I would say we’d try to add a winger who had some grit and size to him, who can score,” Benning said.
When free agency started, the Canucks were trying to move a bad contract and an asset to gain some extra cap space.
There were some rumors that the Canucks were talking about a Luca Sbisa trade over the weekend. Such a move would make sense for the third pairing defenseman who has a $3.6 million cap hit.
On Joffrey Lupul …
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Joffrey Lupul when asked if he could see himself playing for the Las Vegas expansion team.
“Me? Vegas? I don’t think that’s a good fit for either of us.”
On the Arizona Coyotes and Alex Goligoski …
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: One source on the Coyotes – Goligoski deal.
“Dave Tippett made the (Alex) Goligoski deal,” I was told. “He’s running the show. Chayka is green as grass.”
On Kris Versteeg …
Darren Dreger: There is interest in Kris Versteeg, who has won two Stanley Cups. Hearing there is interest from Switzerland if he doesn’t get an NHL deal.
On Vadim Shipachov …
Aivis Kalnins: Vadim Shipachov will be reporting to SKA’s training camp which starts in a couple weeks.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings have 12 forwards already signed on one-way deals, as well as Dylan Larkin and RFA Teemu Pulkkinen. They could look to move at least one forward to create some more room for a younger player.
“Going to camp, we expect Andreas Athanasiou, Anthony Mantha, Tomas Nosek, Tyler Bertuzzi — some of those kids are going to make the team,” general manager Ken Holland told the Free Press. “We’re holding a spot or two for the kids if they can make it.
“We believe we have a good mix of veterans and kids. We wanted to see a push from beneath for jobs. They have to earn it.”
The Wings would ideally move Henrik Zetterberg to the wing and have Larkin as their No. 1 center. Newly acquired Frans Nielsen will be their No. 2 guy.
They have the assets to potential make a significant if they can find a partner.