- Ted Kulfan: Red Wings GM Ken Holland is expected to announce their assistant coaches today.
- Habs Links: Pierre McGuire on TSN 690: “There is more chatter probably now than I’ve heard in a lot of yrs going into the draft.”
- Mark Lazerus: At least eight teams have shown a legit interest in Patrick Sharp so far. Some teams were expected, some less so.
- Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: Sharks GM Doug Wilson said that there is a “high percentage” that they will acquire at least one more pick by Friday. They have a total of 17 picks in the next two drafts. They will almost assuredly use their ninth overall pick this year, though Wilson left the possibility of moving up or down open. In 2013 they moved up, and last year they moved down.The extra picks the Sharks have may be dangled for a player that could help them now. Wilson has said he’s looking for help on the blueline and they are looking for a goalie.
“The picks next year and the following year are very important, too, because that’s currency,” Wilson said. “When you talk about currency, it’s assets to be used to maybe acquire some pieces.”
There is the possibility that there could be a big trade involving one of their core. Would Joe Thornton or Patrick Marleau be willing to move on? Did they move Brent Burns back to the blueline to increase his trade value? Is Justin Braun expandable after struggling last season?
The Sharks are $16 million under the cap and could add a player or two in free agency. Wilson has hinted in the past that they could be in a position to make a move with a team looking to shed salary.
“We’re putting this team in a position to bounce back and be very competitive come September,” Wilson said. “Will we explore everything? Yeah, we will.”
“You have to give to get, no matter what. Even unrestricted free agency you are giving something –- cap space. There are other teams that are in position where they have to make decisions because cap space is of value. First round picks and second round picks have value. You’re going to have to give up something. Are we willing to do that? Sure we are.”