- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Sabres have $37.7 million committed to 15 players for next season, so the Sabres have the flexibility to do a lot of things. Vogl wonders if Joe Thornton would waive his no-trade clause for the Sabres. Would the Red Wings be looking for prospects for Henrik Zetterberg? What about Alex Ovechkin if he doesn’t work well with new head coach Barry Trotz? Pending UFAs that could be available: Jason Spezza, Nick Foligno, Justin Williams, Johnny Boychuk, Paul Martin and Antti Niemi.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis on the trade rumors involving Nazem Kadri and Jake Gardiner the past year.
“Yes. But let me say this: If a deal came along for Nazem Kadri that makes sense in terms of being better now and in the future, then we would trade him. But there’s a big difference between being willing to trade a player and trying to trade a player. We were never trying to trade Jake or Naz. At the same time, they are in the same boat as any other of our players, Phil Kessel, Tyler Bozak, etc. If the right deal came along, we’d get rid of them. They’re all aware of that. Our veteran players, who can have no-movement clauses, don’t. We made a point where we’re not going to put ourselves in a position where we can’t make ourselves better. Naz and Jake are the same. We signed Jake long-term because we believe in him. We think he can become a special player. And we believe Naz can, too.”
- TSN: Peter Budaj’s agent confirmed that he requested a trade from the Canadiens after their Eastern Conference loss to the Rangers.
“It’s a good opportunity for Peter,” Hedges told RDS Sunday. “Peter just wanted to go to a team that wanted him.”
- Randy Sportak: Flames GM Brad Treliving said that he continues to talk with Raphael Diaz’s agent about a contract.
- James Mirtle: Rumors that the Flames have been looking to an analytics hire.