Friedman’s 30 Thoughts …
- Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The Flyers and Maple Leafs were heavily after Nikita Zaitsev last summer, with the Flames, Kings and Canucks interested as well.
“If he’s not 100 per cent ready for the NHL,” one GM said, “he’s really close.”
The Coyotes, Red Wings and Oilers have recently scouted the free agent.
- Friedman told one GM that he’s “Hearing Buffalo is looking for a left-shot defenceman,” to which the GM replied: “You’re really on top of things. That’s been going on since the draft.”
- Teams are looking for defensemen, and the Stars and Canadiens are carrying eight on their roster. The Canadiens don’t want to expose Jarred Tinordi to waivers, with the same going for the Stars and Jamie Oleksiak.
“Trouble is, since both teams are going so well, they can be patient,” one said. “No need to do anything until they get what they want.”
Friedman thinks the Canadiens would ask for something like two second round draft picks for Tinordi.
- The Flyers haven’t been able to trade the 26-year old pending UFA defenseman, Luke Schenn. The Flyers may not want to take money back. One GM thinks interest in Schenn may increase when more of his salary is paid out.
- Word is the Maple Leafs are looking at goaltending options.
- There were rumors of Roman Polak to the Kings, but those were shot down.
- Nothing in imminent, but the Predators continue contract extension talks with Filip Forsberg and Seth Jones.
- Dion Phaneuf was tied for the lead in minor penalties as of yesterday morning. He was 5th last year with 39. On scout said his organization didn’t pursue a Phaneuf trade because that reason.
On the Coyotes …
- David Pagnotta: There has been some talk that the Arizona Coyotes could split a new arena in the Tempe/Scottsdale area with Arizona State University.