On Nikita Zadorov …
Slava Malamud: @Boogaard_2 of Sport Express is reporting that Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov has a contract agreement in place with CSKA if he’s not able to re-sign with the Avalanche soon.
On Radek Faksa …
Sean Shapiro: (answering question about RFA forward Faksa) The Dallas Stars and Faksa’s camp are keeping negotiations between them. Guessing that they are looking at a bridge contract with a salary cap hit around $2.5 million.
On Matt Duchene …
Matt Larkin of The Hockey News: Looking at five teams that could make sense for a Matt Duchene trade.
Columbus Blue Jackets – The Blue Jackets have already offered up Ryan Murray but that won’t be enough and they aren’t moving Zach Werenski or Seth Jones. The Avalanche could ask for Gabriel Carlsson in a deal.
Boston Bruins – They won’t include Charlie McAvoy, and it might take Brandon Carlo and/or Jakub Zboril. Make not make sense for the Bruins to make a move at this point.
Carolina Hurricanes – May be the best fit for Duchene as the Hurricanes need scoring help and they are deep on the blue line. The Avs are believed to have asked for Noah Hanifin and were told no.
Pittsburgh Penguins – Seems crazy that the Penguins would add Duchene’s $6 million but they could find a way. They are in a win-mode still and could move Olli Maatta. Duchene could be their third-line center to replace Nick Bonino or play on the left side of Sidney Crosby or Evgeny Malkin.
Los Angeles Kings – Duchene would either play the wing or they would have to shift Jeff Carter to the wing. The Avs would likely ask for a deal that includes Kale Clague and more. They are not coming up in rumors as a likely team to acquire Duchene, but sees it as an opportunity for them to add some speed.