- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Kings are once again talking to teams about Mike Richards, though at this point, nothing is imminent. The Kings would love to move Richards and his $5.75 million cap hit for the next five years. The Kings would have to add an asset to sweeten the pot – either a draft pick, player or prospect. If Richards retires before the end of the five years, the Kings and the acquiring team would be stuck with the cap recapture penalty. The Kings might be hoping that the acquiring team ends up buying him out, with the extra asset the Kings send as the real target. Some teams value Richards leadership and may want to keep him.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Though the Bruins would likely match any offer sheet no matter what, there are still rumblings that teams could be thinking about an offer sheet for Dougie Hamilton. The Bruins are vulnerable due to their cap situation. It’s believed that Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli has talked about the idea internally. LeBrun doesn’t think they are on the only team thinking about it.
- Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: There have been some suggestions that Evgeni Malkin could be traded this offseason. If both Malkin and Penguins are ready to move on, there are not many teams that could take on the $9.5 million cap hit through 2021-22. The Sharks could be one of those teams that has the room to take on that type of cap hit. Who could the Sharks offer the Penguins for Malkin?Could start with Brent Burns. The Penguins only have four defensemen under contract for next year. Kris Letang has been dealing with some series health issues the past couple years. Burns also has the ability to play upfront.
The Sharks would have to include more assets, but Burns could be a good start.
“Teams will make some decisions based on where will be in the future,” Wilson said on the March 2nd NHL trade deadline. “We’re positioned at the other point. We have opportunities to acquire some players coming forward.”
- Tom Dougherty and Tim Riday of CSN Philly: Looking at if the Flyers should be interested in UFA right winger Chris Stewart. Dougherty doesn’t see any team offering Stewart upwards of $4 million. He may be better off taking a one year to prove himself. If this is the case, the Flyers should be interested as they could use the scoring help. Riday – if R.J. Umberger and Vinny Lecavalier are still with the team, it could be a recipe for disaster – pass on Stewart.