- Elliotte Friedman of Sportnet: Teams can start to re-sign players that they signed to one-year contracts on January 1st. Friedman thinks that the Bruins did significant work on Torey Krug and Reilly Smith contracts before they signed their one-year deals just before the season started. The Penguins are interested in re-signing Christian Ehrhoff, but it might not happen right away.Other free agents to keep an eye on include: Blake Comeau (PIT), Brenden Dillon (SJ – Sharks expected to commit), Cody Franson (TOR – is a tough call), Michael Frolik (WPG – talks are expected), Mike Hoffman (OTT – no talks yet), Jeff Petry (EDM – would be a surprise), Mike Santorelli (TOR – not sure if there have been any talks), Jiri Tlusty (CAR – there have been talks, but could be traded if they can’t get a deal done) and Mats Zuccarello (NYR – team has cap decisions to make).
The Coyotes haven’t had any talks with goalie Devan Dubnyk.
Teams already think that the Coyotes will trade Antoine Vermette. Interested teams could be the Bruins, Red Wings and Blues. Friedman saw the Devils mentioned somewhere, but it doesn’t make sense for the Devils to give up the young assets/draft picks the Coyotes would be looking for. The Canadiens and Blackhawks would make sense for Vermette.
Drew Shore has been scouted more than normal.
Even if the Oilers send Leon Draisaitl back to junior, he’ll still count towards their aloted 50 contracts. They are currently at 47.
There were rumors that Predators Mike Fisher was going to retire when his contract ends, but he’s ready to talk to the Predators about his future.
Kings Justin Williams didn’t want to continue contract extension talks into the new year, but the Kings asked for more time, and were given the okay.
- Lou Korac on NHL.com: Blues Martin Brodeur last night in what could be last game as Brian Elliott is to be activated from the IR. (activated this afternoon)
“I think I’m going to Nashville, I’m not sure,” Brodeur said, referring to the Blues’ game on Tuesday. “I’m enjoying every moment of it. Whenever the decision will be made, hopefully I’ll be the first to know and I’ll be happy or disappointed one way or the other. It’s been a great ride. If that’s my last game, it’s not a bad one to leave on.”