On the Winnipeg Jets …
Mike Sawatzky of the Winnipeg Free Press: Could Ondrej Pavelec return to the Jets next season after his five-year deal expires after this season? Could he back Connor Hellebuyck next year? Pavelec isn’t thinking that far ahead just yet.
“I’m not thinking about next year — at all,” said Pavelec, who established a franchise record with 25 saves in the second period of Saturday’s win. “I don’t know what’s gonna happen. I’m gonna be a free agent, I guess, for the first time. I have no idea what I’m gonna do.
“There’s no point, there’s no reason to think about next year. Whatever happens, happens. I can’t control those things — what’s gonna happen in July. I’ve got my own problems to focus on. I’m gonna focus on tomorrow’s game and that’s pretty much it.”
Head coach Paul Maurice thinks it could be a possibility.
“Everything is possible. There’s so much that’s transpired, there’s so much good for Ondrej to look forward to — that will be taken care of at that time. So we have a real narrow focus on each game and that’s exactly where he is mentally,” Maurice said.
On the Colorado Avalanche and the Ottawa Senators …
Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Warren thinks the Ottawa Senators should consider trading for Avalanche center Matt Duchene.
Clarke MacArthur didn’t get clearance to return this season, and with having Erik Karlsson under contract for a couple more years, GM Pierre Dorion should seriously consider trading for someone like Duchene.
Duchene has two years left on his deal at a salary cap hit of $6 million.
Trading for Duchene would likely cost the Senators someone off their current blueline and a future asset. Prospects Thomas Chabot and Colin White would likely be mentioned in any talks.
The Senators don’t have second round picks in this year’s draft (Toronto) and next year (NY Rangers).
Warren notes that Karlsson will be a free agent after the 2018-19 season, same goes for Duchene.
The cost to acquire Duchene could be too high for the Senators, but they should at least consider the idea.