On the Washington Capitals …
Tom Gulitti of NHL.com: Capitals GM Brian MacLellan on if he needs to sign pending UFA defenseman John Carlson before the trade deadline:
“I don’t think so. I think in the beginning , we were wondering where we were going to be as a team. , we’re going to want him back no matter what, so we’re going to make our best effort to bring him back.”
MacLellan on their trade deadline approach.
“I’m OK with the forwards. I’d like our defense to settle in, be a little more stable. I’m a little aware of if you bring a in, then Djoos and Bowey aren’t playing as much. That’s the balancing act of developing and winning. How you manage that is the key.”
On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Chris Nichols of Fan Ran Sports: Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 960 talking about Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds. The 29-year old has a year left on his deal at just under $4 million. Friedman thinks the Flyers will try to keep him.
“I mean, there’s always a cap issue. But I know they really like him. I know they consider him to be very important to what they do. And I wouldn’t be surprised if he stays there.”
adds that if there comes a time when the Flyers realize that they can’t work out a new deal with Simmonds, there won’t be a shortage of teams interested.
On the Edmonton Oilers …
Chris Nichols of Fan Rag Sports: Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 960 talking about the Edmonton Oilers and how he thinks they will trade pending unrestricted free agent forward Patrick Maroon.
“I think he’s going to get traded,” predicted NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman during a Friday morning segment on Calgary’s Sportsnet 960. “I don’t think there’s a doubt that he’s going to get traded. I would be surprised that they’re keeping him. I don’t see any way that he finishes – I shouldn’t say that because there’s always a way. I would say it is extremely, extremely unlikely that he finishes this year in Edmonton.”
adds that teams have been notified that Anton Slepyshev is available. When looking at Ottawa Senators Mike Hoffman, Drake Caggiula could have been talked about, but that doesn’t mean Caggiula is available.