- Mike Heida of the Dallas Morning News: Stars owner Tom Gaglardi on if they could improve their blueline through free agency.
I think any team that relies on free agents to fix their problems, that’s a bad place to be. I think they can definitely help if you find the right one, but you have to build from within, that’s where the strength is going to come from. I think in a perfect world, you’d go golfing on July 1 (the first day of NHL free agency). I’m not sure if we’re in that spot yet, but I can tell you I like our team and where we’re going. As a rule of thumb, you’re going to pay too much or give too much term to get a free agent. I think it’s more likely that we would be more involved in trade talk to tinker with the makeup of our team. But I’m not uncomfortable starting next season with pretty much what we ended this season with.
- Peter Wallner of MLive: If Mike Babcock were to the leave the Red Wings, it would seem that Jeff Blashill would take over, but it hasn’t been talked about.
“We have not had one conversation about it since Ken (Holland, the Red Wings general manager) and I sat down last spring to talk about doing a new contract and me being the head coach of the Griffins,” Blashill said. “That’s the only conversation we’ve had.”
- Dennis Bernstein: (answering question) Due to the Kings salary cap situation, they won’t be able to offer Justin Williams close to what he could get on the open market. It’s not a straight money issue with Williams. He’ll be 34-years old next year and they still have to re-sign Tyler Toffoli. Williams isn’t a top-six on the Kings, but he could be on other teams.
- Rob Sanderson: Sabres UFA goalie Matt Hackett: “I have no idea what’s going to happen. It’s my 1st time going through this. I love Rochester. I love playing in Buffalo.”
- Bob McKenzie: Free Agent goalie Matt O’Connor will visit the Oilers and Canucks this week. He’ll meet with the Rangers next week. He visited the Senators on Sunday. The Sabres are out.
- Sam Carchidi: (answering question) Don’t see the Flyers making Robert Hagg or Shayne Gostisbehere available for trade. There are other ways to get a forward if they don’t select one at No. 7.
- Steve Simmons: Brendan Shanahan will be joining assistant GM Mark Hunter in Switzerland for the World Under-18 Championships. Potential GM candidate Mike Futa is also there.
