Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Friedman’s 30 Thoughts roundup.
On Nikita Kucherov …
Nikita Kucherov’s agent, Scott Greenspun, wouldn’t comment, but Friedman thinks he’s met with at least one team about a potential offer sheet. Friedman notes that there is a big difference between signing an offer sheet and talking to a team about one. Both sides are not saying much, but it’s sounding like there hasn’t been much movement. The Lightning are hoping that Kucherov would take less money like Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman did to remain in Tampa.
On Johnny Gaudreau …
Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving met with Johnny Gaudreau’s camp last week. Sounding like there has been some movement. The key to Gaudreau’s deal may be how many UFAs are going to be bought. Gaudreau would be a UFA in five years.
On Jacob Trouba …
Friedman thinks the Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers are in on Winnipeg Jets RFA defenseman Jacob Trouba. The Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning could also be lurking around. A couple sources don’t see the Montreal Canadiens being in on Trouba. The Florida Panthers tried before the draft, but their offseason moves likely take them out of the running. The asking price for Trouba is high, with some teams being told they don’t have enough. The Jets would likely ask the Sabres for Rasmus Ristolainen.
Talk is that the Jets asked Trouba or his agent what it would take to get a contract done and were told it won’t happen if the right side of their blueline remains status quo. It might take a third team to get involved for the Jets to get what they want from a Trouba trade – maybe the Anaheim Ducks.
On the Anaheim Ducks …
Sounding like Rickard Rakell deal is closer than Hampus Lindholm, but it may not be imminent.
Teams are interested in what the Ducks might do with regards to the expansion draft next June. The Ducks are worried about potentially losing Cam Fowler in the expansion draft or as a free agent in two years. They don’t need help on the blueline, but do upfront. Fowler is a left-handed shot, which the Jets are interested, and could potentially be used in a three team deal.
On the Expansion draft …
“We have a pretty good idea of who’s going to be unprotected, because everyone’s letting everyone else know who they need to move.”
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Hearing that there hasn’t been much movement between the Buffalo Sabres and RFA defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.
The Sabres have put Evander Kane on the line with Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart. Are they attempting to increase his trade value? The Canucks were previously interested, but weren’t offering the Sabres enough to make a deal.
On the Edmonton Oilers …
The Oilers may not make a decision on Kris Versteeg (PTO) until after Wednesday. Versteeg has a groin injury.