Louis Jean: Matt O’Connor continues to talk with the Senators, Canucks and Rangers. He is wanting to work with a goalie coach that could take him to the next level.
Tom Dougherty of CSN Philly: (Q and A) Feeling that both Brandon Manning and Shayne Gostisbehere will be on the Flyers opening roster next season. If the Flyers aren’t able to trade a defenseman or two this offseason, there likely won’t be room for Gostisbehere. GM Ron Hextall will continue to try and trade Vincent Lecavalier, but he won’t buy him out. Doubtful that Hextall would find a taker for Andrew MacDonald. He should be able to trade Nicklas Grossmann ($3.5 million) and Luke Schenn ($3.35 million).
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Looking at some Stars offseason questions and free agents. It’s a tough call on whether Kari Lehtonen returns to the Stars next season or is traded. Shawn Horcoff is a pending UFA. The Stars like his versatility, so he could be back, but it’s more likely that he’ll sign elsewhere. Rich Peverley is expected to retire. Not sure where Travis Moen fits in, but with a year left on his deal, he’ll likely be back. Tough call on whether Ryan Garbutt is back – two years left on his deal. Jhonas Enroth is a pending UFA and likely won’t be back. Jamie Oleksiak will either be part of their top seven or be dealt. They should be able to re-sign Patrick Eaves before he becomes a UFA on July 1st.
Ansar Khan of MLive: Guessing that Mike Babcock won’t be back next season. Jeff Blashill would be the logical replacement if Babcock leaves. The Wings also like Todd McLellan, who was an assistant with the Red Wings for three years. The Wings won’t be looking to trade Jimmy Howard this offseason according to GM Ken Holland. Howard and Petr Mrazek could split time next year. If Mrazek is able to establish himself as the No. 1 goalie early in the season, the Wings could then look move Howard at the trade deadline.
