- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers Justin Schultz still doesn’t have a contract. They could agree to a one-year deal if they can’t work out a two-year bridge deal.
“Stalemate is too strong a word … both parties are listening. We’re very optimistic something will get done (before camp starts Sept. 18),” said Scott Howson, Oilers senior vice-president of hockey operations.
They have also talked about deals of five years or more at different dollar amounts, but it’s looking like it will be a one or two year deal. They could do a P.K. Subban type bridge deal, $2 million in year one and $3.75 million in year two.
- Jimmy Hascup of USA Today: The Rangers are still working on signing RFA defenseman John Moore and they are hopeful to get a deal done soon.
“We like John a lot, just trying to get him signed,” Gorton said. “I’m pretty sure we’ll get him signed, and get him ready to go. He’s a good player for us; he’s been a good fit for us, he’s a great kid, and we like his upside.”
The Rangers currently have just over $1.3 million in salary cap space, which doesn’t include Kevin Hayes’ $900,000.
- The Fourth Period: TVA Sports is reporting that the Canadiens are close to signing UFA defenseman Francis Bouillon.
“We’re still working on it,” Bouillon’s agent, Don Meehan, told TVA Sports on Tuesday.
- Matt Mackinder of MI Hockey Now: Blue Jackets first round pick Sonny Milano said there have been no contract talks with the team.
“Maybe a strong start or a strong season will get me that contract, but there hasn’t been any talks yet,” confirmed Milano. “When I was drafted, Columbus said they had no preference one way or the other, that both the OHL and Boston College were good routes. They basically left it up to us to decide as a family.”