- Ansar Khan of MLive: According to someone with knowledge of the situation, the Red Wings made “a hell of an offer” to the Blue Jackets for Rick Nash. Which got them no counteroffer, no negotiating, nothing. It’s unclear what the Red Wings offered. Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson likely doesn’t want to see Nash in a Red Wings jersey 6 times a year. Howson told TSN that he’s looking for at least 2 NHL ready forwards. Though it’s unlikely that Detroit would move them both, the Blue Jackets may be interested in guys like Johan Franzen and Valtteri Filppula.
- Michael Traikos via twitter: You can’t really fault the Blue Jackets for not dealing with the Red Wings, but one less team hampers ability to get value for Nash.
- Matias Strozyk via twitter: CSKA GM Sergei Fedorov said they are negotiating with Alexander Semin, but “there are more questions than answers”.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile said he spoke with Shea Weber’s agents on Monday.
“It’s ongoing and hopefully we’ll talk later in the week,” Poile said. “I would say (we discussed) everything about the Predators, where we are and where we’re going and what part Shea has with that.”
“Right now my priority is to see Shea signed and hopefully finalize a longer term deal with Shea,” Poile said. “To me it all revolves around that decision.”
The Predators and Sergei Kostitsyn have a arbitration hearing set for August 2nd.
“We’re talking to his agent (Don Meehan) on one hand. On the other hand, we’re preparing with our counsel for arbitration, and that’s August 2,” Poile said. “We still have time on that, but we’re preparing for that.”
If Shane Doan decides to move on the Coyotes, that Predators would be interested:
“First of all, I’m hoping the Phoenix situation gets resolved and he can stay there and finish his career in Phoenix,” Poile said. “If he decides it’s not a fit for him and would like to pursue other opportunities, the Predators would be very interested.”
- L.A. Lariviere via twitter: The Penguins are the front-runners for Doan, not far from the Sharks and Canadiens. The history, tradition and market are key.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Zach Parise got several $100 million offers immediately. Buffalo reportedly let both Parise and Ryan Suter know that they would give them $100 million. Suter wasn’t interested in going to the Eastern Conference. By July 2nd other teams figured it was down to the Wild and Red Wings. It’s believed that Parise considered at least 9 teams to varying degrees: Devils, Wild, Penguins, Flyers, Bruins, Sabres, Red Wings, Blackhawks and Kings. One source said Parise eliminated Eastern teams as he was unwilling to compete directly with the Devils. Parise later said it came down to the Devils and Wild. About 24 hours before the Wild signed the pair, they signed Jake Dowell, a close friend of Suter with the same agent. With some big name UFA/RFA’s for next year, some may look to get a deal done before the new CBA in case there is a term limit. The Oilers look a long look at Mark Streit, Islanders GM Garth Snow said in a text, “I have no intention to trade Streit.” The Panthers feel the Canucks are wanting too much for Roberto Luongo, and the Canucks feel the Panthers are squeezing too hard. The Panthers are unwilling to move Jacob Markstrom, Erik Gudbranson or Jonathan Huberdeau. The Canucks may have interest in Nick Bjugstad or Quinton Howden, and it’s unlikely the Panthers like that idea. The Canucks don’t want to take on a bad salary. If a deal with the Panthers doesn’t happen, they’ll have to ask him for more teams. Have to believe that Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke did inquire about Jonathan Bernier, wouldn’t be doing his job if he didn’t. There are doubts about Burke’s seriousness in Bernier. The Predators may have to ultimately ask Shea Weber: “Look, we just went through this with Ryan Suter. We need an honest answer.” The Coyotes are looking for offensive help and really like David Krejci. Friedman isn’t sure if the Bruins are shopping him. This could be where all Keith Yandle rumors came from. Teams have been told that Patrick Kane isn’t going anywhere. The 36 year old Dan Boyle’s name has popped up, his no-trade is now limited, so teams are calling.