- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Signs are pointing to the San Jose Sharks and head coach Todd McLellan mutually parting ways as early as today. McLellan has one year left on his contract. If McLellan hits the open market, there will be no shortage of teams interested. If Mike Babcock leave the Red Wings, source saying that his replacement would be either McLellan or Jeff Bashill. The Maple Leafs already have an opening.
- Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: Willis thinks Canucks pending UFA Shawn Matthias would look good in an Oilers uniform. The Canucks cap numbers for next season may prevent them from giving him the money he might be looking for. It’s not known if the organization is interested though.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Cody Hodgson had a disappointing season and is hoping for a second chance, but it’s not certain that he will get one with the Sabres. The 25-year old is two years into his six-year, $25.5 million deal. Since he’s still under 26-years old, his buyout would only be one-third of his salary and not two-thirds. A buyout would then only cost the Sabres $6.27 million.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Bruins Adam McQuaid had a $1.8 million salary and $1.55 million cap hit last year, and if he’s willing to make around the same next season, the Bruins could bring him back as their No. 4-5 defenseman.
“Obviously I want to be back. I’ve had so many great memories here with this group and this organization. I guess it goes without saying…I don’t know, I can’t picture not being here,” said McQuaid, who has been a regular with the B’s since 2010-11. “It’s a different situation for me this year with some uncertainty. I guess we’ll see how things play out. My priority, my goal would be to come back here. I don’t know if that’s realistic or not. I guess time will tell. I’ll wait and see if it comes to , and then obviously you have to go down that avenue.”
The Bruins will look to re-sign RFAs Brett Connolly, Dougie Hamilton and Ryan Spooner. Niklas Svedberg’s status may be in question. The Bruins already have $59 million committed for next season and the salary cap may not be much more than $70 million.
- John MacKinnon of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers prospects Darnell Nurse and Leon Draisaitl could start next season in the AHL.
“They’re going to determine their level,” MacTavish said, adding, “There is nothing wrong with going to the American Hockey League.”
The Oilers last three head coaches have been NHL rookies, and GM Craig MacTavish has instructions to get someone who has experience.
