- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks could have traded Ryan Miller this offseason, but decided on moving Eddie Lack instead.
“We could have moved Ryan Miller,” Benning revealed matter-of-factly. “There were teams calling on Ryan Miller.”
Some had thought it would have been impossible to trade Miller’s contract. Some Western conference teams were interested in Jacob Markstrom.
The Canucks had been trying to trade Chris Higgins, but found it difficult to move his contract.
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: (mailbag) If the Rangers want to sign Derek Stepan long-term, it will have to be around Ryan O’Reilly money – seven years and $52.5 million. A short-term deal would still have to be in the $7 million range. Stepan is eligible for unrestricted free agency in two years.The Stars still don’t have a “big, high-end, top pairing defenseman.” Members within the Stars organization think that is their missing piece. Rosen notes a potential top pairing of John Klingberg and someone like Dion Phaneuf or Dustin Byfuglien. Acquiring a top defenseman would cost either a lot of assets or cap space, or possibly both. The Stars do have access to both if need be. Free agents that could help out the Stars include Christian Ehrhoff and Johnny Oduya.
- Andy Strickland: The Sharks considered trading Tomas Hertl this summer.
- Andy Stickland: Have been told that Johnny Oduya turned down a significant offer from the Sabres. He’s remaining patient in hopes of getting a deal down with the Blackhawks.
- Andy Strickland: Auston Matthews agent, Pat Brisson, is trying to resolve his visa issues so that he can play in the Swiss league next year. Matthews will be heading to the CAA prospects camp in Los Angeles next week. His WHL rights are held by Everett. Brisson said the NCAA is still an option.