- Jameson Olive of Fox Sports Florida: It’s more than likely that the Panthers will have a quiet free agency period. If they do look to sign anyone, it will likely to be depth for the AHL team. RFA Jimmy Hayes will likely be looking for a hefty raise this offseason. He had 35 points, but was a healthy scratch at times and had a late-season goal drought. Backup goalie Al Montoya has a year left on his deal, but the Panthers have shown that they are not afraid to demote a goalie if he’s not performing up to expectations. Pending RFA Jonathan Huberdeau could be looking for a long-term deal. If the asking price is too high, they could look at a bridge deal.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: On Joe Haggerty’s comments yesterday of a Taylor Hall or Jordan Eberle for Milan Lucic trade …. It makes no sense for the Oilers. Hall and Eberle are already locked up long-term at a reasonable number, and Lucic will be a UFA after next season. GM Craig MacTavish has also made it clear that he’s not trading away his stars – Hall, Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers have other pieces they could include in a deal. The Oilers would also have to factor in if they think they could re-sign him. Haggerty has suggested that Lucic could be looking for a seven year deal in the $6.5 to $7 million range. The Oilers may be leery on that.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Penguins should listen to offers on Evgeni Malkin this offseaon.Can’t see Dave Tippett being too happy in Arizona. Maybe there is a “mutual” parting of ways. He has a history with Flyers president Paul Holmgren.
Stars coach Lindy Ruff isn’t a huge fan of Kari Lehtonen. The Stars will likely test the trade waters with Lehtonen. He has three-years at $5.9 million per left on his deal. They could offer him to “middle-of-the-road” teams like the Oilers and Sabres?
Matt O’Conner will visit the Oilers this weekend.
The Oilers should keep their eye on Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon. Spurgeon has a year left at $3.6 million and will be a RFA afterwords. The emergence of Matt Dumba and the potential of Spurgeon wanting $4.5 million, might make him available. The Hurricanes might also be interested in him.
The Oilers might be interested in bringing Derek Roy back in case Leon Draisaitl starts the year in the AHL, but they won’t be offering Roy more than a one-year deal.
The Oilers would love to be able to draft Timo Meier with the pick they got from the Penguins, but scouts can’t see him still being on the board when they pick.