On the Vancouver Canucks …
Chris Nichols of FRS Hockey: Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 650 and was asked if he was hearing any players being linked to the Canucks.
“Not really,” said Friedman. “I think that Hanifin is obviously the one. I know the O’Reilly stuff is really starting to get out there too. I have to tell you I haven’t heard many more names specific to Vancouver at this time. I think that will change, but I haven’t heard anybody else right now.”
On the Winnipeg Jets and Jacob Trouba …
Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press: Pending RFA Jacob Trouba has stated that he’d like to remain in Winnipeg long-term, and it’s likely at the top of GM Kevin Cheveldayoff’s offseaosn to-do list. Trouba was a holdout back in 2016 and had asked for trade, but agent Kurt Overhardt said there are no hard feelings left over from that.
“Jacob is sincere in everything that he says and I respect that. I’ve just got to do my job and work on behalf of my client and work with the club just to create a positive situation hopefully for both sides,” the veteran contract negotiator said.”
With Dustin Byfuglien and Tyler Myers also right-handed, Trouba had been asked to play on the left-side, but this past season he (on the right side) and Josh Morrissey formed an effected shutdown pair.
Other RFAs include: Morrissey, Connor Hellebuyck, Adam Lowry, Brandon Tanev, Joel Armia, Joe Morrow, Marko Dano, Tucker Poolman and AHLers Nic Petan, Eric Comrie and few other prospects.
Captain Blake Wheeler will be enter the final season of his contract and Cheveldayoff could look to extend him. Patrik Laine is entering the final year of his entry-level deal and is eligible for a contract extension.
“When they have a group they feel comfortable with and a group of people they’ve grown with, they want to be a part of it,” said Cheveldayoff. “So we’ll do our best, sharpen our pencils and do as good a work as we can on the business side of it to make sure everybody feels like they’re a part of it on the fairness of a contract and also build within the constraints.”
