On the Winnipeg Jets …
Bob McKenzie: Several teams have said to not rule out the Winnipeg Jets drafting Jesse Puljajarvi. There could be some intrigue at the top of this years draft, should be interesting.
Grant McCagg: “Jets will not pick Puljujarvi over Laine IMO. Rumour 3 days ago was the Jackets don’t want Puljy at 3..but now Jets want him at 2 over PL?”
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline: The Blue Jackets have talked to the Maple Leafs and Jets about moving up in the draft. The price for No. 1 is steep.
Aaron Portzline: There are many that think the Blue Jackets will trade their No. 3 pick – it’s all over the league. Does GM Jarmo Kekalainen know something about the Finns?
Aaron Portzline: GM Kekalainen said he’s had “about 10” offers for the third overall pick, with several “very good offers” coming in yesterday.
On Las Vegas …
Adrian Dater: Sources saying that the Las Vegas owner have to make a $300 million expansion fee payment on July 1st and the remaining $200 million July 17th 2017.
Elliotte Friedman: Bill Daly said that Las Vegas isn’t guaranteed to be a lottery pick for four years. After their first season, it’s determined by the standings.
Chris Johnston: The NHL expects that Las Vegas will have a window open where they can make trades and transactions before the expansion draft. That is something that has never happened before.
Craig Custance: Vegas owner Bill Foley as a person in mind for an assistant GM. The assistant GM will be hired before the team names a GM.
Darren Dreger: It will be interesting to see who Las Vegas will name as their first GM – McPhee? Maloney? Tallon? Nonis? Gilman? Ferguson?
Craig Custance: Penguins GM Jim Rutherford said it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Las Vegas organization will contact him about their assistant GM Jason Botterill about their GM position.
Andy Strickland: There are a lot of players who are hoping that expansion will create an opportunity for them to extend their playing career by a year or two.
Corey Pronman: Vegas shouldn’t rely too much on the 2017 draft as it’s looking like the top part of the class is not a good as good as recent years.