On the Vancouver Canucks …
Jeff Paterson: GM Jim Benning said that they are still considering coaching changes. He didn’t say much, but he couldn’t say if their entire coaching staff would return next week.
TSN Radio Vancouver: Jason Botchford on the Canucks free agent needs: “They definitely need speed. They need burners in that lineup. Horvat can’t be their best skater.”
On Todd Nelson …
The Athletic: AHL coach Todd Nelson is talking to some NHL teams about potential assistant coaching positions.
Craig Custance: The Dallas Stars are in the mix. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the St. Louis Blues were involved. The Detroit Red Wings could be another potential team.
On the Dallas Stars …
Sean Shapiro of The Athletic: Forward Valeri Nichushkin’s agent believes that they will get a contract done with the Stars soon.
“Val very much wants to come back,” Nichushkin’s agent Mark Gandler told The Athletic. “Dallas wants him back and we are just very hopeful we’ll be able to take care of this very soon.”
Gandler said that Nichushkin has spoken with GM Jim Nill regularly the past two years and that their relationship is good.
Scott Cullen of TSN: The Stars could use a quality backup goaltender. Petr Mrazek likely won’t get a qualifying offer, so he could be an unrestricted free agent. Other UFAs include Carter Hutton, Jonathan Bernier and Anton Khudobin.
The Stars have about $57.3 million committed to 13 players next season.
They could use a top-six forward, some depth forwards and a backup goaltender.e
Players who could be on the trade market: Martin Hanzal, Devin Shore, Brett Ritchie, Remi Elie and Gemel Smith.
As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.