On the Minnesota Wild, Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins …
Michael Russo: Still getting the sense that there is trade talk going on between the Minnesota Wild and the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins. There is likely trade talk going on with other teams, but definitely involving those two.
On the KHL …
Slava Malamud: The KHL has cancelled the 2017-18 schedule release as they are not sure what is going to happen with Dynamo Moscow next year.
Slava Malamud: “As a reminder, Dynamo has been bought by new owners who claim rights to all the players but refuse to pay old owner’s salary debts.”
On Ilya Kovalchuk …
Aivis Kalnins: Ilya Kovalchuk met with SKA to talk about a potential contract extension.
Chris Johnston: The Kovalchuk situation remains murky. There has been talk picking up in the past 48 hours that he could return to the KHL next season.
Chris Johnston: It’s not a 100 percent that it will happen, but there is a growing sense that he’ll be staying in Russia.
Aivis Kalnins: It is not a simple decision for Kovalchuk – does he want to compete for the Stanley Cup or try for an Olympic gold.
Aivis Kalnins: The only reason that Kovalchuk would remain in the KHL is for the Olympics.
Todd Cordell: “I’m not saying Kovalchuk won’t end up staying in the KHL, but this *could* just be a ploy to make NHL teams increase their contract offers.”
Aivis Kalnins: SKA could potentially be pitching an “at least 10 million dollar” offer to Kovalchuk.
Slava Malamud: SKA doesn’t need to have Kovalchuk in their lineup next season to remain competitive. The KHL is pushing for it as they badly need a “PR victory.”
Pierre LeBrun: “My understanding of the Kovalchuk situation is that he continues to look at his options in both KHL and NHL. Hasn’t closed door on either. Had to wait until Saturday to be able to actually do a sign-and-trade through New Jersey… Hasn’t closed any doors yet in either league.”