Rumors III: Oilers, Capitals, Sabres, Devils and Flyers

• Bruce McCurdy of the Edmonton Journal: Elliotte Friedman on Mike Babcock, Todd McLellan and the Oilers.
  

  “I had a chance to speak to Mike Babcock today, and once again he stressed don’t automatically assume that he is going to leave the Detroit Red Wings. He said that the things that are most important to him as he searches thru potential offers are,m the relationship with the general manager and the owner, can they work together? Also, what is the team’s plan? And thirdly, how his family feels?

  Babcock also added he will visit any city he’s particularly interested in before signing a contract there. He’s going to the Worlds, he doesn’t come back until the 17th, and that may not leave him a lot of time.

  The Oilers are not commenting about this. They did meet today with Todd Nelson, but the word we’re hearing is that Edmonton may not want to wait for Babcock, and they are pursuing the possibility of closing a deal with Todd McLellan. If they can do it, the word is the Oilers will consider naming McLellan their coach before pursuing Babcock.”

• Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson wonders if the Oilers would offer up Pittsburgh’s first round pick for goalie Malcolm Subban.

  Mike Green doesn’t want to leave Washington, but would he take a big hometown discount? He’s making over $6 million this season. Would the Capitals offer $4.5 million, and would he take it?

  The Red Wings would like to re-sign Marek Zidlicky to a one-year deal. The Devils might be interested in bringing him back.Ray Whitney is looking to get into management and is close to Lightning GM Steve Yzerman.

  The Sabres could look at trading for Craig Anderson or Robin Lehner.

  The Devils need to move a defenseman for a forward. They could also look to sign Justin Williams.

  Scouts are leaning towards Dylan Strome going third overall to the Coyotes.

• Tim Raday of CSN Philly: What the Flyers do with Vincent Lecavalier may depend on who they hire as their next coach. The Craig Berube-Lecavalier combination obviously didn’t work out. Could the new coach get Lecavalier to fit into his system?  Flyers GM Ron Hextall needs to unload some salary and Lecavalier is a prime candidate. There likely won’t be many teams interested in him and he’ll likely be back with the Flyers next season.