- Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The Oilers are one of the teams interested in 22-year old Swiss defenseman Dean Kukan. 27-year old Jakub Nakladal (CZE) is also being looked at.The Maple Leafs and Capitals have looked at 28-year old Derek Ryan. He led the Swedish league in scoring with 60 points in 55 games.
If Ray Shero thought that Lou Lamoriello would interfere, he wouldn’t have accepted the GM position.
Betting the Wild would like to re-sign Devan Dubnyk to a deal between $4 and $4.5 million. Do the Wild offer more years in exchange for a lower cap hit?
The Predators are working on a contract extension with Mike Fisher. Seth Jones is a year away from being a RFA.
“So is Filip Forsberg,” Poile added. But he stopped there. “I don’t want to be so transparent; keeping this internal is the way I would like to go.” Poile also praised Colin Wilson: “Much better, fell off a little bit with the rest of the group towards the end of the season, but played really good in the playoffs.” Then he laughed. “I’m negotiating a contract with him so I can’t say too much more.”
Some teams may prefer Craig Anderson, while others may prefer Robin Lehner. It’s thought that the Sabres would be interested in Anderson, but would the Senators trade within their division? Whichever goalie could land them a top-six forward, might be the one they trade.
Another big decision for the Senators will be what to do with Jared Cowen. His trade value is low at the moment.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Serious contract talks with Andrew Hammond are expected to start once assistant GM Pierre Dorion returns from the World Championships. It would make sense for the Senators to try and re-sign Hammond to a two-year deal. Sense from league executives is that a good backup should make in the $1 to $1.3 million per season range. Would a team offer more money and/or term on the open market?
- Darren Dreger: Auston Matthews family advisor, Pat Brisson, said that playing in Switzerland is an option for next season, but no decision has been made yet. A decision is expected this week.
- Damien Cox: Reports that Matthews has signed with Zurich of the Swiss league are not true. Sources saying it’s a “viable” option.
- Nick Kypreos: Mike Babcock met with Brendan Shanahan over the weekend. Darren Dreger: Believed that they talked on Saturday and will talk again at the World Championships.
- Damien Cox: Believed that the Maple Leafs have asked for permission to speak with Todd McLellan. Shanahan is expected to be heading to the World Championships this week. Elliotte Friedman: Shanahan is scheduled to be there by Wednesday, but that can always change.
Dean Kukan
Jakub Nakladal
Derek Ryan