- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Though it’s currently on the backburner, locking up pending RFA Dougie Hamilton should be a top priority for the Bruins. Hamilton is currently out with a shoulder injury. He’s recorded 42 points in 72 games this season. The Bruins have 15 players under contract for next season at about $57.5 million. The cap is projected to be between $71.7 and $73 million, and could potentially be lower if the escalator isn’t applied. Bruins pending RFAs: Hamilton, Ryan Spooner, Brett Connolly and Niklas Svedberg. Bruins pending UFAs: Carl Soderberg, Adam McQuaid, Matt Bartkowski, Gregory Campbell and Daniel Paille.The Bruins may be hopeful for a two-three year bridge deal at $3-4 million a year. Longer term deal comparisons could be Victor Hedman’s five years, $20 million and Jonas Brodin/Slava Voynov’s six-year, $25 million.
If the Bruins and Hamilton can’t agree on a deal before July 1st, teams like the Oilers and Blue Jackets may be thinking offer sheet. The Oilers have shown interest in Hamilton in the past.
GM Peter Chiarelli has said in the past that he would match any offer sheet given to any of his RFAs.
- Aaron Portzline: Agent Pat Brisson is serving as the family advisor for Blue Jackets prospect Mike Reilly, said there is “nothing to report.” Likely not good new for the Blue Jackets. If Reilly knew that he’d be leaving the University of Minnesota and wanted to sign an entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets, he would have already been signed and in the lineup.
- Mark Masters: Past contract talks between the Maple Leafs and Nazem Kadri have been drawn out: “I’d rather that not happen again. Hopefully it gets resolved sooner than later.”
- Darren Dreger: Pat Lafontine is working on setting up a development meeting involving the CHL, NCAA, Hockey Canada, USA Hockey, NHL and NHLPA. A tentative date is net for May 5th/6th. Among the topics they will discuss: draft age and college eligibility standards. Nothing is “firm,” still in planning stages.