- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers GM Ron Hextall said they need evaluate the leadership of their core players this offseason.
“I think given the inconsistencies, I think it is something we have to evaluate,” Hextall said. “See where we think it is at.”
Hextall added.
“I evaluate things over the course of the year, not one game. I’m not gonna put too much into the last two games and all of a sudden come to some silly evaluation of where we are based on two games. In saying that, I certainly don’t like it.”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs have intensified the their search for college free agents.
“They might stay and finish up their studies but they’re free to sign,” said Reid Mitchell, the Leafs director of scouting and administration. “Obviously, our team and a lot of others are have a sense who they are.
“We’ll see, because we can’t really talk to them while they’re playing. You definitely can’t talk contract. The NCAA has firm rules. You can’t even take them out to lunch or anything.
“Our amateur scouts, our player evaluation people are all in the field, The different conferences are going to have their playoffs shortly and then we’ll start to follow the (Frozen Four) final bracket.”
Right winger Casey Bailey is getting lots of interest from teams. Defenseman Kenney Morrison and right winger Kyle Baun are also getting interest.
- Rich Chere of NJ.com: Pending UFA Jordin Tootoo has earned a chance to come back next season, and his teammates hopes he gets the chance.
“At the beginning of the season I came into camp not knowing what the future holds,” Tootoo said. “Looking ahead is just not my mentality. My focus is about the present. I can’t put too much worry on what’s going to happen in the future.
“The business side of things will take care of itself. This is something I want to keep doing. I love the game. I love what I bring on a daily basis.”
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Jets: The Jets can’t make a panic move and call-up goalie Connor Hellebuyck. Michael Hutchinson has been pulled in two of their past three games. It’s clear now that Ondrej Pavelec’s contract is a mistake. For stretches Hutchinson’s play has covered up for Pavelec, but he’s struggled lately.