- Peter Wallner of MLive: Red Wings AHL coach Jeff Blashill doesn’t expect an announcement regarding his coaching future at least through this week.
“There are still conversations to be had between Ken (Holland) and I.
“There is the NHL combine and he has some other business to tend to,” Blashill said in a phone interview about the Red Wings general manager, “so I don’t expect anything here in the near future.”
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: TSNs Darren Dreger saying that Todd Nelson could remain on with the Oilers as an assistant coach.
“Todd Nelson is looking at some options, coaching options in the American Hockey League. He could go back there. He was with a very successful coach with Oklahoma City, which was Edmonton’s farm club. But he still has three years remaining on his AHL contract with Edmonton and I’m told there’s been some discussion with Todd McLellan and he could be back on the Oilers bench helping Todd McLellan.”
- Kevin McGan of the Toronto Star: Maple Leafs director of player personnel Mark Hunter on what they’re looking for in potential draft picks.
“We’re looking at skill,” Hunter said. “Skill to us is hockey sense. Puck skills. All the things that make a guy unique. But you can never leave out character. I have no problem with a 5-10 guy that is physically strong and can get down the ice. Who would not like the (Tyler) Johnson kid out of Tampa? He’s not that big, but he’s wide. He’s strong.
“That’s not going to stop us from drafting a smaller guy. But you want some bigger guys, too. But we will not just focus on big guys.”
- Mayor’s Manor: GM Dean Lombardi on if Mike Futa will be staying or leaving the Kings.
“Mike Futa is still a Los Angeles King and will remain a Los Angeles King. You don’t think a guy could jump ship now, right? … There is a big challenge ahead of us. I don’t think he’s had time to think about it. He’s been going 100 mph. He’s at the combine now.”
- Eric Stephens: Ducks GM Bob Murray said that coach Bruce Boudreau will be under evaluation as well. Boudreau was talking as if he will be with the team next year . The two will talk later this week.