- Murray Pam: It appears that the Oilers may be willing to trade their No. 16 overall pick in the draft to the Rangers if they willing to move Cam Talbot.
- Murray Pam: The Oilers are willing to move Nail Yakupov.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: The Avalanche hold the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft, and will likely be drafting for need. They are looking for a “big scoring forward” and a “skilled, savvy defenseman.” Four players who meet their needs and could be available include: Lawson Crouse, Pavel Zacha, Zach Werenski and Ivan Provorov. Mikko Rantanen likely won’t be there at No. 10. The Avs are not expected to trade their pick.
- Eric Engels of Sportsnet: The Canadiens have 19 players under contract for next season at about $65.3 million. They have five RFAs in Brian Flynn, Alex Galchenyuk, Jarred Tinordi, Christian Thomas, and Michael Bournival. Torrey Mitchell is a UFA.They could use some scoring and could deal for their strength, which would be their blueline.
Likely trade chips on the blueline: Tom Gilbert is in the last year of deal at $2.8 million. Alexei Emelin has three years left at $4.1 million.
If GM Marc Bergevin wants to keep his blueline together, he could look to move Tomas Plekanec and his $5 million cap hit. They should be able to get a nice package of picks and prospects for him.
If Bergevin doesn’t want to move Plekanec, David Desharnais could be the next target. He has two years left at a $3.5 million cap hit.
Lars Eller with his three years remaining at $3.5 million is another option.
- Adam Vingan: Predators GM David Poile said he’s not committed to sending qualifying offers to all of his five RFAs: Colin Wilson, Craig Smith, Calle Jarnkrok, Taylor Beck and Gabriel Bourque.
- Tom Dougherty and Tim Riday of CSN Philly: Looking at if the Flyers should be interested in UFA left winger Curtis Glencross. Dougherty – don’t see the Flyers interested. Reminds Dougherty of R.J. Umberger. Riday – the Flyers are looking for skilled wingers, and Glencross may be better suited for a bottom-six role.
- Tom Dougherty and Tim Riday of CSN Philly: Looking at if the Flyers should be interested in UFA left winger Tomas Fleischmann. Dougherty – his offensive production has been declining. His cap hit should be affordable, but there are better options out there. He might not be top-six, but he could bring some skill to a third line. Riday – could be a fit as he could move up and down the lineup. Wouldn’t be surprised if they looked elsewhere though.
