- Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Friedman on his Evgeni Malkin comments last week.
In a radio interview Friday, I discussed Evgeni Malkin, saying he was frustrated by losing, other teams were hearing rumours he wanted a change of scenery, but there was zero chance it was going to happen. It went wild, to the point where it was trending in Russia. There were strange accusations about my motives but I didn’t have any motives, really.
Ultimately, my words are my responsibility. Malkin wants to win there. I do think everyone in the organization is frustrated that Chicago’s three wins away from its third Cup since 2010, while the Penguins haven’t been back to the Final since 2009. What complicates everything is the team is for sale and ownership is hypersensitive to anything seen to hurt the price. Disappointing all-around, but I own it.
The Penguins have $31 million tied up in Malkin, Sidney Crosby, Marc-Andre Fleury and Kris Letang. GM Jim Rutherford will look for another Patric Hornqvist to play with either Crosby or Malkin.
There were in-season rumors of the Penguins and Hurricanes discussing Jordan Staal. Sense is that it didn’t go anywhere and the Hurricanes may not have been interested.
Mike Reilly will narrow his list down to two or three teams in the next couple of days. While playing at the World Championships, some USA teammates were telling him to go the free agent route.
A few teams at the draft combine were calling the Maple Leafs and asking about Phil Kessel: “If we want to do this, what’s the price?”
Maple Leafs assistant GM Kyle Dubas said the Leafs would look at trading their 4th overall pick and the Coyotes have had calls about the No. 3 overall pick. Watch the Blue Jackets as they want young defensemen. They are currently drafting at No. 8.
Jeff Blashill should be named the Red Wings head coach sometime this week.
Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin may need to trade some salary to lessen their cap number after re-signing Jeff Petry.
Friedman wonders if there could be a deal to be made between the Canadiens and Wild involving Mikko Koivu.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Senators Robin Lehner will get more interest than Craig Anderson.The Canucks would rather keep Eddie Lack and Jacob Markstrom, but Ryan Miller and his two-year, $12 million contract is unmovable. Therefore, they will be looking to trade Lack. Lack has a year left at $1.15 million before he becomes a UFA.The Sabres, Oilers and Sharks are looking for goaltending help.The Devils will likely go after Paul Martin in free agency. The Penguins would like to keep Martin.
The Jets would like to re-sign Drew Stafford before he hits the open market.
The Canucks are a likely landing spot for UFA Matt Bartkowski.
Kevin Bieksa and Dan Hamhuis will both be UFAs at the end of next season and could get some interest on the trade market.