- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Blue Jackets really want to keep pending UFA Nick Foligno ($3.08 million), and some think it might take more than five years and $25 million. He could look for a deal similar to David Clarkson, seven-years and $36.75 million, a $5.25 million cap hit. The Blue Jackets aren’t sure of Nathan Horton’s future. If the Blue Jackets can’t re-sign Foligno before the trade deadline, GM Jarmo Kekalainen will have a tough decision to make.
The Coyotes are looking to move salary, and teams think everyone is available. A lot of teams will be interested in Keith Yandle, including the Stars and Jets. The Coyotes basically know they won’t be keeping the Antoine Vermette, who will be looking for upwards of $6 million.
The Kings may be looking to move Mike Richards, but with a $5.75 million cap hit through 2019-20, it could be tough.
The Senators, Bruins, Penguins, Kings, Wild and Flames have talked to the Sabres about Chris Stewart. The Sabres want a player and a high-end prospect for Stewart.
The Ducks, Kings and Red Wings have shown interest in Tyler Myers, and the asking price is a lot higher than Stewart.
The Canadiens will start contract extension talks in the New Year with Alex Galchenyuk.
The Canucks have been looking around for a winger.
The Blues are willing to make a deal, but only if they find the right deal. GM Doug Armstrong has been calling around to see what he could get for Patrik Berglund or T.J. Oshie. Berglund has three-years left at $3.7 million and has a no-trade clause that kicks on July 1st. Oshie has a $4.175 million cap hit that runs through 2016-17. The Blues have to re-sign Vladimir Tarasenko, Jori Lehtera and Jaden Schwartz. The Blues don’t have to move salary out right away, but may have to do so after the season.
Oilers GM Craig MacTavish has talked to a lot of teams, but it’s not really known what he wants to do. He’s been listening to Taylor Hall offers, but would need a young center in return. Not many teams have those, and those that do, don’t really want to trade them.
The Hurricanes will likely be looking for first round pick and a prospect for pending UFA Andrej Sekera.
- Dennis Bernstein: The Kings will keep an eye on contract talks between the Hurricanes and Andrej Sekera. The Hurricanes would like to keep him. A league executive on Sekera: “Fit for any team but won’t come cheap. If CAR can’t re-sign, seller’s market because every team needs D.”