- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: A league executive on ‘tanking.’
“It’s embarrassing,” a league executive said.
“You can’t blame the teams involved because there is a reward for failure and that’s the highest odds in the lottery,” said the executive. “Maybe you need to change the lottery to give all the teams that miss the playoffs an even chance at the No. 1 pick, or not weight it so much. Who knows?”
Since it doesn’t appear that Joe Thornton has any intention of leaving, GM Doug Wilson may be let go as it’s hard to see both co-existing. There will be changes in San Jose.
A league executive thinks there is a Phil Kessel trade to be made this offseason.
“I think they’ll be able to deal him, but I don’t think they’re going to get back as much as they think they can get for him,” said the executive.
The Leafs would likely have to take back a bad contract in a Kessel trade. Would think that interested teams would include the Predators, Sharks, Islanders and Sabres.
Wild’s Devan Dubnyk could be playing himself into the $3.5 million per season range if he’s able to win a playoff round.
Pending UFA Andrew Hammond could play himself into a nice payday if he’s able to get the Senators into the playoffs.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers and Penguins have been working together to pitch to the NHL to play an outdoor game at a “certain stadium in Pennsylvania” in 2017. It will be the 50 year in the NHL for both teams. The Flyers have been trying to get a game at Penn State since 2008 but haven’t been able to secure it yet. It would be a neutral site for both teams.
- Steve Simmons: Can expect the Maple Leafs to ask the Coyotes for permission to speak to Sean Burke after the season. Nick Cotsonika: Brendan Shanahan and Sean Burke are tight.
- Bob McKenzie: The Oilers, Senators, Sabres and Rangers are among the teams interested in UFA goalie Matt O’Connor.
- Bob McKenzie: Harvard lost yesterday so decision time will be coming for Predators prospect Jimmy Vesey.