- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Derek Stepan’s arbitration hearing is set for July 27th with the Rangers. Talks between Stephan and the Rangers haven’t even gotten to the preliminary stages. The Rangers haven’t even submitted an opening offer.If they decide on a two year deal in the hearing, it would take him to unrestricted free agency. It would likely take a six-year offer for $6.5 million a year to get the ball rolling.
There is no evidence to suggest they are considering trading Stepan.
Brooks thinks that Ryan Garbutt is the type of player the Rangers could use – “hard-edged, forechecking, tempo forward.” Curtis Glencross is another that could be obtained at a bargain price.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Source saying that the 1-year, $1.7 million contract that Chris Stewart received from the Ducks was almost double of what the Wild offered and could offer him.Erik Haula still doesn’t have contract.
Unless the Wild use a buyout or make a trade, there isn’t a lot of cap room. They might, and could use another center. Some remaining free agents include: Alex Semin, Eric Fehr (center), Mike Santorelli (center), Manny Malhotra (center, huge on faceoffs if healthy), Erik Cole, Stephen Weiss (center), Tomas Fleischmann, Matt Cullen (center), Mike Ryder, Jarret Stoll (center), Jiri Tlusty, Brad Boyes, Curtis Glencross, Scottie Upshall and Lee Stempniak.
- Tom Gulitti: The Devils have had preliminary talks with 2015 1st round draft pick Pavel Zacha.
- Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: Coyotes GM Don Maloney after their training camp.
“I was really happy with what I saw here because it gives us hope that we’re not just kidding ourselves,” General Manager Don Maloney said. “We’ve got some unreal talent coming. We just have to hurry it along.”
The Coyotes cut back on the number of players attending their camp.
“We’re trying to fast-track some people to the NHL,” Tippett said. “So we have to give them as much attention as possible.”