- Alex Prewitt of the Washington Post: Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said that re-signing Braden Holtby, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Marcus Johansson and Nate Schmidt are his top priorities.
“I think we can get reasonable contracts on all of them, and then we’ll make decisions based on where the cap ends up and what amount of money we have left over after that, and how we want to invest it,” MacLellan said.
Joel Ward is a pending UFA and would like to return to the Capitals.
“Washington is his first choice over going to unrestricted free agency,” Peter Cooney said. “We would like to re-sign with Washington and come back. Our door is open for the Capitals, absolutely first and foremost.”
MacLellan has already said that term may be an issue when it comes to Ward if he’s looking for three- or four-years. There may also not be a lot of money available as Ward could be looking for over $4 million, which he might get on the open market.
“We’re not committed to going to unrestricted free agency,” he said. “ if we did go to July 1, it means nothing. Washington is still a player. That does not shut the door on Washington.”
- Rich Chere of the Star Ledger: The rumors are still out there that Sergei Kalinin will be leaving the KHL to sign a deal with the Devils.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have six days to sign 2013 2nd round draft pick Marco Roy or he’ll go back into the draft. They also haven’t signed 2013 4th round pick Jackson Houck.
- Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: The Sharks are still searching for a head coach and don’t seem to be in any rush. Candidates include Peter DeBoer, Adam Oates and Randy Carlyle. DeBoer seems the most likely of the three, with Carlyle the least likely. Trent Yawney and Kevin Dineen could be candidates once the Ducks and Blackhawks are eliminated. If they look at the NCAA, David Quinn from Boston University is coach getting some attention. Quinn was an assistant coach with the Avs in 2012-13, and was the head coach of their AHL affiliate for three years. The Sharks, Sabres, Red Wings and Devils are teams looking for a head coach.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Dan Bylsma remains the top coach available. Could the Sabres go outside the box with David Quinn? Could they look at former Blackhawks assistant Mike Haviland? Bylsma might be getting interest in San Jose and New Jersey. Bylsma could be looking for a win faster option, which would likely put the Sharks ahead of the Sabres. Luke Richardson is another candidate for the Sabres, and he might be the right choice.
