- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather said in an email on Friday that he’s undecided if he will continue his dual role as GM and president. It doesn’t mean that he’ll step down as GM, but the 72-year old appears to at least be considering it. CEO Jim Dolan wouldn’t comment on the report, but added that Sather has a “lifetime contract” as GM. If Sather was to step down, assistant GM Jeff Gorton would be the overwhelming favorite. Sather denied the Maple Leafs permission to speak with Gorton for a second time. If Sather steps down and Dolan decides he wants to open up the search, high-profile candidates could include Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, John Davidson and possibly Don Maloney.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Keith Yandle never looked like he was worth a first round draft pick and top prospect and is entering the last year of his deal. He comes with a $2.65 million cap hit as the Coyotes retained 50 percent of his contract. It doesn’t seem likely that the Rangers would extend him beyond next season. He’ll be looking for at least $5.5 million on the open market, which is too much for the Rangers. The Rangers need to trade Yandle now. Maybe they package Yandle with Cam Talbot for a strong, grinding forward.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: If the Red Wings were to trade Jimmy Howard, which wouldn’t be easy as he has four years remaining at $5.3 million, they would have to go out and acquire an above-average veteran.
- Jared Clinton of The Hockey News: Goalie options for the Oilers for next season.Ben Scrivens (28) – In 57 games with the Oilers, he has 15 wins wit h a 3.16 GAA and .890 SV percentage. If the team improves around him, he could be more than a capable goalie.
Cam Talbot (27) – He has starter written all over him. He’ll be a UFA after next season. To get the most value for him, the Rangers would have to trade him this offseason.
Robin Lehner (23) – Hasn’t shown that he’s ready to be a starter just yet. He’s under contract for another two years at a cap hit of $2.225 million.
John Gibson (22) – Ducks GM Bob Murray will have to decide whether he wants to go with Frederik Andersen or Gibson. Gibson has a year left at $721,666.
Other options include Antti Niemi, Antti Raanta and Karri Ramo. The Wild will likely retain Devan Dubnyk, but it’s possible that the Oilers could look at him if he hits free agency.