- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Talk is that Hurricanes GM Ron Francis is ready to make some moves and has been working the phones. He’s willing to discuss anyone but his young guys that they consider as part of their core. They would love to trade Alex Semin, but with four-years left at $7 million, there is no interest. Eric Staal’s name will be front and center, with the Leafs and several other teams interested. It will be easy to find Andrej Sekera and his $2.75 million contract a new home. Francis was scouting in Anaheim and Arizona last week.Coyotes Keith Yandle’s name has come up again. If they want to do something big, they could move him. He’s 18-months away from free agency and currently makes $5.25 million. The Coyotes would like to keep pending UFA Antoine Vermette, but it doesn’t look like that is going to happen. Garrioch thinks he could get a $7 million a year deal on a long-term contract if he hits the open market.
There is a sense that the Blues could be looking to add a forward. The Blues don’t have make cap space, so money will have to head out as well. The Blues had listen to offers on T.J. Oshie in the past.
The Sabres are not in rush to trade Chris Stewart. The Penguins, Bruins and Senators have shown interest.Penguins GM Jim Rutherford has been looking for a forward since training camp.
Islanders GM Garth Snow isn’t working the phones, but there is talk that he’d like to trade Cal Clutterbuck. He has a $2.75 million cap hit through 2016-17, so it could be a tough move.
No progress out of Detroit with regards to Daniel Alfredsson.
The chances of pending UFA Paul Martin re-signing with the Penguins before July 1st are slim as his role is diminishing with the team. The Sharks could have interest as they are looking for a top-four defenseman, but talk is “he doesn’t want to give up anything.”
Teams are starting to wonder when the Jets will look to improve by trading Dustin Byfuglien.
Mark Hunter first told the Maple Leafs ‘No” before they upped the ante to get him to leave London.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avs defense are giving up too many shots and haven’t played with the puck enough. They are allowing 38.5 shot on goal per game. There also doesn’t appear to be any help from within coming. Their 2011 1st round pick, 11th overall, Duncan Siemens has yet to play an NHL and privately there is concern that they may have made a mistake with the pick. Odds are good that the Avs will get an outdoor game next season.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: While playing in Sweden, the Maple Leafs want William Nylander converted to a center from wing. They think he’s better suited there in the long run, and it’s also their biggest need.
- Friedman reported that the Bruins and coach Claude Julien were closing in on a three-year contract extension. Joe McDonald: Julien on the report: “I have no comments on that – absolutely not. Let’s talk about the team.” Cam Neely on the report: “We’re working on something ,” Neely said.
- Elliotte Friedman: With the injuries to Ryan McDonagh and Kevin Klein last night, the Rangers are believed to have interest in Hurricanes defenseman Andrej Sekera.
- Elliotte Friedman: Not sure if the Hurricanes are looking to make any moves yet. Pending UFA Marc-Andre Fleury’s agent is in Pittsburgh this weekend, both sides being quiet.