- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers GM Ron Hextall admits they need to find a scoring winger and that Vincent Lecavalier’s time with the Flyers is likely over. It will be tough for them to unload his $4.5 million per year salary (three-years left). RFA Jason Akeson should be re-signed with the AHL Phantoms. Panacico said that it’s not unthinkable if Claude Giroux could be traded if they received a blockbuster offer.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Looking at the Avalanche’s needs, they will probably look to draft a defenseman with the 10th overall pick at the draft. Fans need to be patient as it will likely take one to three years for the pick to be ready. The top eligible Dmen that could be available in that range include Ivan Provorov, Zachary Werenski and Jakub Zboril. Brandon Carlo would be a good fit, but he’s dropping in the rankings and could slide into the second round. It’s still possible that the Avs look to draft a forward that could be able to play in the NHL faster than a defenseman. Avs GM Joe Sakic will talk about his draft plans in the upcoming weeks.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Gary Bettman backs Eugene Melnyk’s desire to have an arena in the downtown area.
“I know the plans are in the preliminary stages but from what I’ve seen and as I’ve indicated the opportunity is very exciting,” Bettman said. “And, having kept you waiting because we had a long way to drive (out here), I think all of you might concur, particularly with the proximity to hotels and the airport.”
On an outdoor game in Ottawa.
“We have an interest in an outdoor game Ottawa if we can confirm the logistics,” Bettman said.
Bettman said the most serious interest from NHL expansion has come from Las Vegas, Seattle and Quebec City.
“Are there other places that have expressed an interest? Yes. But I don’t think it’s as concrete. In terms of people who are asking us to be owners, those would be the three,” said Bettman. While many believe the board of governors will award a team to Vegas soon after Bill Foley’s season ticket drive, Bettman tried to calm that kind of talk. “We don’t have a plan yet. Mr. Foley can have a plan, and speculate all he wants, but ultimately it’s up to the board of governors to decide if there’s going to be expansion anywhere at any particular time and what the plan is,” Bettman said.
Bettman on the possibility of relocation.
“No, and I’m glad you asked the question because it would be good if that speculation stopped. I know there are places that might like a team and would like to see a team fail so it could move but that’s not on the horizon.”
Expansion fees could be at $500 million. If the 5% salary cap inflator is used, next years cap could be around $71.5 million.