On the Winnipeg Jets …
Mike McIntyre: Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff when asked if he needs to move out some salary with their nine pending restricted free agents and the desire to possibly re-sign Paul Stastny.
“The Reality is, now we have our hard number to work off, and there’s going to be asome cold, hard realities that we may have to face depending on how these other contracts come into place. So we have to be prepared for anything.”
On the Montreal Canadiens …
Chris Nichols: Darren Dreger (yesterday): “Max Pacioretty, a primary target of interest. Marc Bergevin receiving at least four calls on him earlier today, but so far no deal.”
Chris Nichols: Dreger: “Marc Bergevin continues to look for a center. He did not want to give up the third pick overall to the Buffalo #Sabres for Ryan O’Reilly, so the search continues.”
On the New York Islanders …
Update: Larry Brooks: “I am told (though not by agent or NYI) that Tavares will meet with five teams during interview period that opens tomorrow. Rangers are not among them.”
Andy Strickland: There is a growing sentiment that John Tavares will re-sign with the Islanders.
Arthur Staple of The Athletic: John Tavares is expected to let the New York Islanders know if he’ll talk to other teams during the free agent interview window.
If Tavares ends up talking to teams in CAA’s office in Los Angeles, the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars are believed to be three of the teams making a pitch. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Los Angeles Kings could be two other teams.
The Islanders are still believed to be the favorites to sign Tavares.
There were reports yesterday that the Islanders were interested in Montreal Canadiens Max Pacioretty. The believed asking price for Pacioretty is a roster forward, prospect and draft pick.
GM Lou Lamoriello said that they need to find a goaltender. Senators Craig Anderson has two years left on his deal could be available. With one-year left on their deals are Jimmy Howard and Semyon Varlamov. Robin Lehner and Carter Hutton will be UFAs