- DJ Bean of WEEI: The Bruins and Dougie Hamilton’s (RFA) agent, J.P. Barry, have yet to start formal contract extension discussions. The same can be said for Carl Soderberg and Daniel Paille (UFAs). Barry and GM Peter Chiarelli have spoken, but Barry said they don’t have an issue with being patient as the Bruins figure out what type of offer the Bruins can come up with for Hamilton and their other free agents. Barry is also Loui Eriksson’s agent and isn’t that concerned. The Bruins have almost $50 million committed to 10 players for next season. Initial thoughts that the salary cap could be going up by $5 million for next year, but that might not be the case due to the Canadian dollar.
“We’re constantly thinking about future years,” Neely said. “As much as we put a lot of time and effort and thought into the current year, we look at where our team is going to be next year and the following year, especially when you have guys that have contracts coming up or you have guys with term. You always have to look at the math.”
- Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun Times: The Blackhawks already have $65 million tied up in 15 players. Brandon Saad and Marcus Kruger will be looking for raises from their current deals.
“Obviously, if the cap doesn’t go up and we keep the exact same team — no, that wouldn’t work,” Hawks general manager Stan Bowman said.
It’s looking like at least one of their higher paid core may have to be moved next offseason. Patrick Sharp carries a $5.9 million cap hit through 2016-17. Brent Seabrook has a $5.8 million cap hit that goes through the end of next season. Bryan Bickell has a $4 million cap hit through 2016-17. Any of those three could bring in prospects and draft picks.
“We’ve been through this type of talk before,” Bowman said. “I’ve always been cautious to make predictions, good or bad, about the cap. It’ll be what it is, and we’ll figure it out. I’m not really focused on that point right now. If it doesn’t go up a lot or if it stays the same, we’ll find a way to make it work.”
“We’ve been doing that for a while, not just because there are rumors,” Bowman said. “That’s our job, to be prepared.”
- Elliotte Friedman: Daniel Alfredsson could announce his retirement on Monday when Ottawa is in Detroit. There could be a bigger send-off in Ottawa at a later date.
- Dennis Bernstein: (answering question) With the cap relief from the Slava Voynov decision, a significant trade is not out of the question.
- Aaron Riley: Scouting the Oilers and Wild’s AHL teams last night: Flyers, Avalanche, Capitals, Sabres and Lightning.
