- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Source saying that the Bruins are prepared to go as high as $7 million a year to match an offer sheet for Dougie Hamilton. That seems to be the range for what Hamilton’s camp is looking to get on a new deal as they are eying the contracts of Drew Doughty ($7 million per) and Alex Pietrangelo ($6.5 million). GM Don Sweeney admitted that an offer sheet is possible.
“Generally speaking, the possibility exists. You have to be aware of it,” said Sweeney during last week’s pre-draft conference call with the media. “Over time, there have been certain players that bells and whistles go off, so you have to be , and we are — we understand it. We’re moving forward with how we want to get this done. So it definitely exists…they’re not taking that out of the CBA.”
Haggerty suggests a bridge deal for Hamilton – two years at $4.5 to $5 million per season. The Oilers and Blue Jackets could try to sign him to an offer sheet. Any offer under $7.3 million would cost the team a first, second and third round draft pick.
“Every team is looking for that big, mobile, puck-moving defenseman that’s capable of getting 35-50 points, you know?” said one NHL front office member outside of Boston. “If I’m another team and I have a chance to get him, obviously with the CBA there are different things you can do to make that happen like offer sheets. I think he’s in a good spot for himself. As far as the organization goes, I wouldn’t want to be the guy that lost him.
“When you look at the compensation, it’s not bad compensation for a guy who’s going to play 25 minutes a night and can move the puck like that.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (chat) Scott Glennie could sign a two-way contract with someone, maybe the with Canucks, or possibly heading overseason.Patrick Eaves has had injury issues in the past. The Stars are still interested in re-signing him. Still trying to figure out his worth.
Heika thinks that GM Jim Nill is in on every goalie trade talk. Nill will be patient and won’t overpay.
Don’t think the Stars will look to trade up in the draft.
Nill is looking for top defenesman, but they are hard to find and get. They hope they can take advantage of a team with cap issues.
If the Stars don’t acquire a goalie through trade, they could look at free agents Antti Niemi or Karri Ramo.