On the Washington Capitals …
Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post: The Washington Capitals had hoped they would be able to retain defenseman Nate Schmidt and not lose him in the expansion draft. They made an offer to Vegas to not select him, but it obviously wasn’t accepted.
“We made a couple good offers, I think,” MacLellan said. “I think they just like Schmidt.”
MacLellan said that asking price for Schmidt was the same as all the other asking prices. That appeared to a be a first round pick, a prospect or both.
The Capitals now have a hole on their blueline and are without a plan.
“We have a job opening,” MacLellan said. “We don’t have a plan. We’re going to look at young guys, look at free agents, maybe the trade market. We’ll pursue all avenues and see what we can come up with.”
The Minnesota Wild appear to be willing to move Marco Scandella but it’s unlikely the Capitals could fit his $4 million salary in.
The Capitals will give Madison Bowey, Christian Djoos and Tyler Lewington a look at camp, but they maybe more suited for a 3rd pairing role and not a top-four. None of the three have played in a NHL game.
On the Los Angeles Kings …
David Pagnotta: The LA Kings are looking hard for a top-line winger, preferably a left winger.
On the Nashville Predators …
Adam Vingan: One free agent that could be a good fit for the Predators is winger Justin Williams. Could be a cheaper option and has played for Peter Laviolette before.
On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Mark Lazerus: Marcus Kruger is owed a $2 million signing bonus on July 1st and he likely won’t be dealt until after the payment is made.
On Top 15 Trade Bait board …
Frank Seravalli: Updating the top 15 players that could be traded.
- Matt Duchene – Colorado
- Alex Galchenyuk – Montreal
- Dion Phaneuf – Ottawa
- Marc Methot – Vegas
- Marco Scandella – Minnesota
- Marcus Kruger – Chicago
- Tyson Barrie – Colorado
- Luca Sbisa – Vegas
- Evander Kane – Buffalo
- Matt Dumba – Minnesota
- Ilya Kovalchuk – New Jersey
- Alexei Emelin – Vegas
- Chris Tanev – Vancovuer
- Jason Demers – Florida
- Jimmy Hayes – Boston