- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: The Avalanche already have six defensemen under contract for next season and are not expected to re-sign pending UFAs Jan Hejda and Ryan Wilson.They will have a about $11 million in cap space and could go after a free agent defenseman or two. Free agent or trade targets could be:
1. Andrej Sekera (UFA) – will get a big raise from his $2.75 million cap hit.
2. Jake Gardiner (TOR) – a $4.05 million cap hit until 2018-19. The Avs covet him and he could use a change of scenery.
3. Mike Green (UFA) – the 29-year old had a $6.25 million cap hit this past season.
4. Matt Irwin (UFA) – 27-years old and is a great skater with good size and offensive ability. Could be looking to double his $1.1 million salary.
5. Cody Franson (UFA) – 27-years old had a $3.3 million cap hit this past season.
- Adam Vingan of the Tennessean: Mike Fisher’s agent said that contract extension talks with the Predators are “progressing well.”
“We’re making progress,” Reynolds said Friday during a phone interview. “Everyone wants the same thing, and we’re just trying to come to an agreement on what that ultimately looks like.”
There has been constant dialogue since January and they have gotten closer on terms in the past month.
“We’re not quite there yet, but I think we’re moving towards that. Mike wants to play in Nashville. They want him to play in Nashville. That’s a great start to any negotiation.”
Fisher’s two-year, $8.4 million deal is expiring, and they could be looking at another two-year deal.
“As far as term goes, Mike will play for as long as they want him to play and he feels he can contribute and be an effective member of the Nashville Predators,” Reynolds said.
“In the mean time, I think it’s going to probably end up at two (years). I don’t know that for certain, but I think that’s probably the right number for everyone involved.”
- John Wawrow in the Star-Tribune: Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said yesterday that Mike Reilly has spoken with other teams, but he’s told the Blue Jackets that they are still in the mix. The Blue Jackets hold his rights until June 15th, but he can’t sign anywhere until July 1st. Kekalainen said: “Hopefully, it will be with us, and if not then we’ll just move on.”